A LATE winner from Ibrahim Olutade helped Andover Town to a 3-2 victory over 10 man Newport (IOW) on their 100th game in the Wessex League.

The young striker struck with ten minutes remaining after Town had twice been pegged back by their hosts.

However Newport's task of holding off an in-form Town side was made all the more difficult after Mark Taylor was sent on 50 minutes for a second bookable offence.

Newport started well and nearly took the lead in the opening 10 minutes when Joe Butcher fired a shot following a goalmouth scramble, only for it to be blocked by an Andover defender.

Jamie Bray was forced into a save from a Spike Pearce header on the quarter hour mark as the hosts continued on the front foot.

Yet it was Town who took the lead on 20 minutes when a poorly defended free-kick fell to Connor Cocklin to fire home.

The goal would spark a mad ten minutes as Newport equalised just four minutes later.

Butcher was put through on goal and poked the ball past a rushing Bray before tapping into an empty net to level the game at 1-1.

However Andover regained the lead two minutes later when Luke Walker turned and smashed the ball past Linnington.

Taylor was booked on the stroke of half time as Town maintained their lead at the break.

Straight from the restart Taylor was nearly shown a second yellow after pulling a play down before kicking the ball away but the officials showed leniency.

However the referee had no choice two minutes later when Taylor ploughed into a reckless tackle and was shown a second yellow.

Despite being down to ten men Newport dug deep and equalised on 67 minutes through substitute Josh Younie.

Connor Kelly broke through the midfield and played through Younie who blasted in into the top of the net.

The game looked to be heading for a draw but Olutade struck win the 79th minute when Newport failed to clear their lines and the strike poked home to earn Town all three points.

The win means the Portway side maintain their third position but move to within six points of Blackfield and Langley - who were in Russel Cotes Cup action on Tuesday night.

Andover, who are now unbeaten in 10 games, will be hoping to extend their recent run of good form when they play 15th placed Bournemouth at the Portway on Saturday.