ANDOVER Town chalked up their 100th league goal of the season as they won2-1 at Bournemouth Poppies.

The victory moved Town 17 points clear at the top of the Wessex League Premier Division and 18 ahead of third placed Blackfield and Langley, who have five games in hand.

Next to try and stop the leaders will be Baffins Milton Rovers who visit on Saturday and then on Tuesday night they travel to Bashley.

On Tuesday night in Bournemouth, this was far from being Andover’s best performance of the season, but if they do go on to win the league title they and the travelling faithful will recall this result as one of the most pivotal of the season.

Though out the match clear cut chances were at a premium and on a heavy and unhelpful pitch Andover struggled to find their rhythm.

Combined with some poor decision making by the match officials Andover were usually second best, but finally won through thanks to a brace of goals by Immanuel Soetan taking his total to five from two games.

Arguably Bournemouth were the better side in the first half without being able to seriously threaten the Andover goal.

Andover’s first opportunity came midway through the half when they were awarded a penalty.

Zach Glasspool and Mike Gosney exchanged passes before the latter was upended inside the area, but Gosney’s spot kick was well saved by goalkeeper Steve Borre.

Two minutes into the second period Andover scored their 100th league goal of the season.

Ben Cook slipped a neat pass through to Soetan who fired in a low shot from just inside the area.

The reprieve lasted just three minutes before Bournemouth equalised with a goal by Nassim Meddah after some hesitant Andover defending.

As the match continued chances at both ends were at a premium but one promising Andover attack was halted by a risible offside decision.

The absence of consistency from the referee brought frustration and three Town players were cautioned in a six minute spell.

Thankfully emotions did not boil over and good efforts by Adam Costello and Gosney skimmed the crossbar.

As the match entered the final 10 minutes, Andover looked the most likely to break the deadlock.

However only two minutes remained when they scored the second and vital goal.

A low cross came in from the right, Jason Silver mistimed a back heel and Soetan reacted the quickest and tapped in from close range.

Six minutes of added time was played, but Andover remained solid to return with the all important three points.