ANDOVER Town suffered their second league defeat in three games as they were narrowly edged out 1-0 by Fareham.

Debutant Andrew Matthewson scored the only goal of the game, tapping in at the back post midway through the first half to give the hosts a slender lead.

It was a lead they held throughout, as Andover's usually prolific attack struggled to break down their sturdy opponents.

Andover went into the game full of confidence having scored nine goals in their last two wins, a 5-2 FA Cup victory over Royal Wootton Bassett, followed by a 4-2 league win over Alresford.

The visitors looked lively early on when Alex Dockree's 30-yard effort struck the post, having beaten goalkeeper Luke Douglas.

However it was Fareham who took the lead with their first attack of the game, shortly after the half hour mark.

A low cross from the byline flashed across the Andover six-yard box and Matthewson was there at the back post to tap home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Andover nearly pulled level on the stroke of half time when McCaulie Stubbs blasted an effort towards goal, only for Douglas to produce a finger tip save to push the ball over the crossbar.

Town, who struggled in possession in the first half, showed signs of improvement in the second.

Adam Grange and new signing Lerone Plummer both had chances to level the score, with the latter forcing another smart save by Douglas in the Fareham goal.

Substitute Joe Woodward was also denied by the in-form stopper, who cleared his thunderous header off the line after making the initial save.

Fareham had the last chance of the game, but were denied a second goal when defender Joe Wright cleared the ball from the goal line.

The result means Town have now lost two of their three opening league games, and sit in 12th in the Wessex Premier League.

They host Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Tuesday night, before returning to FA Cup action away at Spelthorne Sports on Saturday.