A FIRST half goal blitz helped Andover Town to a comfortable 3-1 victory over relegation threatened Fawley on Saturday.

The Portway club scored all three of their goals in a quickfire twenty minute spell, which included a Zach Glasspool brace and a tap-in from Ross Gregory.

Fawley pulled one back through Dylan Gain, but it was not enough to stop Town marching a win, which moves them to within a point of the top half of the table.

Manager Glenn Burnett was forced to name defender McCaulie Stubbs as his goalkeeper with both of Town's recognised goalkeepers serving suspensions.

Fan favourite Sammy Pekun was thrown straight into the starting line-up, following his return to the club, while new signing Victor Gutierrex was named among the substitutes.

Both sides were evenly matched at first, but hosts Andover began to slowly gain the upper hand.

Town made the most of this early dominance, scoring after twenty minutes.

Fawley failed to properly clear a Liam Gilbert free-kick and Glasspool was on hand to smash home the rebound.

Shortly after this time another free kick flew across the area and an unmarked Ross Gregory tapped home at the far post to double Town's lead.

Andover's fine twenty minute spell was completed when Adam Grange was felled in the box and Glasspool fired home the resulting penalty to give Town a 3-0 lead.

The hosts looked set to take their healthy advantage into the break, but a mistake by makeshift goalkeeper Stubbs proved costly.

His miskicked clearance was pounced on by Gain, who calmly slotted home from six yards to make it 3-1 at half-time.

The second half proved a complete contrast to the all-action opening 45 minutes, with neither side able to create a sustained period of pressure.

Fawley never seriously troubled Stubbs, who was well protected by his back line.

At the other end, Andover's best chance came through Glasspool, who was denied a hat-trick with his closest effort tipped over the bar.

In the end, Town settled for a comfortable 3-1 win, which moves them up to 12th in Wessex League Premier,

Andover travel to struggling Bournemouth on Tuesday night (tonight), knowing a win could move them into the top half of the table.

Town then host bottom side Verwood at the Portway on Saturday.