ANDOVER Lions made it seven wins from seven and increased their lead at the top to five points with a 2-0 win over Michelmersh and Timsbury.

Despite their opponent’s lowly position manager John Smith warned his side of complacency against a competitive Michelmersh side and his message was well received.

Tommy Stringer, who had scored first minute goals in the two previous matches, went close to adding another early strike to his tally when his rasping shot from 25 yards was cleared off the line.

Kris Hudson then went close on five minutes with a header but Michelmersh counter attacked with pace and Dan Magee was forced to make a smart save.

The Lions took the lead on 12 minutes when Hudson skipped past his marker with ease and his pinpoint cross found the unmarked Shane Lock who headed into the corner of the net.

On 18 minutes Stringer again went close but his free kick from 25 yards was well saved by Seagrave in the home goal.

Michelmersh continued to threaten on the break and Paris was forced to clear a dangerous cross behind for a corner when under pressure from Gregory.

Magee was then called upon to pull out a good save when the Lions conceded possession cheaply in midfield and Greaves hit a fierce shot from just outside of the area.

As half time approached Stringer hit the bar with a corner but with the last kick of the half Jazz Beavis added Lion’s second with a clinical finish following an excellent touch by Lock.

The second half was a tight affair with the Lions dominating possession but they were unable to break down a determined Michelmersh side.

On the hour mark both Lock and Stringer came close to adding to the goal tally with Stringer hitting the post following the move of the match.

Hudson then hit the woodwork when his cross shot deceived the keeper who tipped it onto the bar.

Lions thought they had snuck a third goal in the last few minutes but Beavis had his effort ruled out for offside before having his spectacular overhead kick saved in the last minute.

The 2-0 victory saw the Lions extend their lead at the top of the Hampshire Premier League Division One with nearest rivals Hayling United drawing last weekend against Four Marks.

John Smith was delighted with the performance.

He said: “We knew today’s match would be hard work, Michelmersh are a big team and do not concede a lot of goals.

“We had to grind out a result today and we did just that.

“Max Allen was excellent, he has come into the side today and put in a man of the match performance today which will give me a very nice problem to sort out selecting the team next week”.