ANDOVER Town made it three back-to-back league victories with a feisty 2-1 home win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Town, who are now unbeaten in 11 league games, went ahead through free-scoring striker Ibrahim Olutade before defender Connor Cocklin, himself in a rich vein of scoring form, doubled their lead.

Both teams went down to ten men following an off the ball incident before Connor Doe pulled one back for the visitors to ensure a nervous final ten minutes.

Playing at the Portway on Easter Saturday, Andover were put on the back foot by Bournemouth who started brightly.

Town goalkeeper Jamie Bray was called upon to block a free kick before throwing himself full length to save a header destined for the top corner.

After a shaky start the home side began to grow into the game, despite being battered by strong wind and driving rain.

Andover's first chance came after 18 minutes when a Lewis Benson free kick was volleyed in by Olutade, only to be ruled out for an earlier offside.

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(Ibrahim Olutade - Scorer of Town's opening goal)


Benson hit the base of the post after 30 minutes as Town continued to press for the opener.

However it was Bray at the other end who ensured the scores remained level, pulling off an impressive double save to deny Bournemouth.

Almost immediately Town sprung a counter which ended with the ball at the feet of Olutade who slid the ball past Ken Vaughan to give Andover a 1-0 lead at half time.

Town started the second half brightly as both Charlie Gunson and Luke Walker forced the visiting keeper into saves.

On 53 minutes a Benson free kick was well saved by Vaughan down to his right and the onrushing Dempsey was unlucky to see his shot blocked.

Four minutes later an off the ball incident saw Dempsey and Johon Blake square up and, after consulting with his assistant, referee Matthews showed both player straight red cards.

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(A picture of the incident leading to the sending off of both Luke Dempsey and Johon Blake)


Kristopher Oti replaced Powell Ukah, as Neil Benson shuffled the team to accommodate the loss of Dempsey.

Chris Onoufriou, again having an excellent game in midfield, burst down the left side before producing a great cross for Oti - but the header was saved from the goal line.

On 70 minutes a corner swung in by Benson fell to Walker who showed great awareness to set up Connor Cocklin who fired low into the net for his third goal in as many games.

The visitors struck back eight minutes later when Doe poked home from close range after Andover failed to clear a corner.

Andover held out for a nervous final ten minutes to secure the 2-1 victory and their third placed spot in the Wessex Premier League.

Town also moved two points closer to second placed Blackfield and Langley after they drew 1-1 at home to Sholing on Saturday.

Andover face a midweek home game against Evo Stik Division One opponents Fleet Town in the North Hants Senior Cup on Wednesday before returning to league action with a crucial match away at Blackfield and Langley on Saturday.