ANDOVER Town regained their footing after last Saturday’s mini stumble against Bemerton with a hard fought 2-0 victory away at Cowes Sport.

The Portway club were hoping to return to winning ways after their shock 2-1 defeat at Harlequins last weekend, which had seen them lose ground to current Wessex Premier League leaders Salisbury F.C Manager Neil Benson got the reaction he was hoping for as Charlie Gunson and Brad Benson both netted to earn Town an important three points.

Neither side dominated the early exchanges with the first real chance coming in the 23rd minute.

Cowes broke quickly and it took a last ditch tackle from winger Ollie Yates to prevent a one-on-one with goalkeeper Jamie Bray.

Gunson had a shot blocked at the other end before indiscipline struck the Cowes defence shortly after the half-hour mark.

Aiden Sainsbury was given his marching orders after a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Brad Benson, which was almost identical to his first caution.

Despite being a man down Cowes continued to press and it took a brilliant diving save from Bray to keep the scores level at the break.

After the restart Bray was forced into making another acrobatic save, with the keeper tipping the ball away from the top corner.

Town quickly reacted and determined play down the right from Michael Dixon opened up space for Charlie Gunson who slid the ball home for his seventh of the season.

The remainder of the half saw few clear chances, with the home side having the better of the play, going close with a couple of balls in the box which prompted desperate scrambling by the Town defence.

After 74 minutes Neil Benson brought on ex-AFC Totton striker Joe Maxwell, signed earlier in the week, to replace Ollie Yates and his speed and physical presence bolstered the visitors’ efforts.

Alex Dockree replaced Dixon, after 83 minutes, and the midfielder almost immediately doubled the lead.

Craig Blakeman, making his 50th appearance, set up Dockree on the edge of the box but his shot was too close to home keeper Ed Hatt.

With minutes remaining Ibrahim Outlande, an 88th-minute substitute, twisted in the box catching a defender’s trailing leg and giving referee Onoha no option but to award the penalty.

Brad Benson stepped up to fire home and give Town a vital victory with all of their nearest rivals also winning.