ANDOVER Town eased themselves away from the Wessex Premier League relegation zone on Saturday with a 2-0 home win over Bashley.

Second half goals from Adam Grange and Harrison Fay sealed the victory for Town, who are now eight points clear of bottom side Verwood.

The 125-strong Portway crowd also witnessed red cards for both both Liam Gilbert and Kabba Jack, who were sent off following a scuffle three minutes from time.

The pair clashed after Jack committed a forceful challenge on McCaulie Stubbs.

Andover started the game just five points clear of the drop zone and without a win in over a month.

Manager Glenn Burnett brought in new signings Liam Hibberd and Jordon Brackstone to the starting line-up, hoping to end their three game winless run.

But neither side could make an impression inside the opening 45 minutes, in what was a largely forgettable first half.

Andover upped their game after the break and deservedly took the lead on the hour mark with a fine individual goal.

Adam Grange, celebrating his birthday, cut in from the right past three opponents before curling a left footed shot into the corner of the net.

Bashley responded quickly and nearly equalised through a Tony Rolls screamer, which was well saved by Lloyd Thomas.

Sean Wright then had two chances to level the game, but smashed his first opportunity over the crossbar before being denied by an in-form Thomas.

With the game coming to a close, Andover looked set for a drama-free victory.

But tempers flared three minutes from time when Kabba Jack lunged in on McCaulie Stubbs.

Liam Gilbert forcibly remonstrated with the striker and both were subsequently sent-off by referee Krasimir Petrov.

Late drama struck again in the sixth minute of added time when Harrison Fay broke free down the left hand side.

The youngster did well to calmly slot home and secure Town an important 2-0 victory.

Andover now face a crucial game mid-week game against struggling local rivals Whitchurch.

The Jam Boys, who host Town at Longmeadow on Wednesday night, sit second from bottom in the Wessex Premier.

However they will take heart from their impressive 2-2 draw against Horndean on Saturday.

The game will kick-off at 7.45pm.