ANDOVER Town successfully made it through a tricky FA Vase first round tie on Saturday, with a hard fought 2-1 win over 10-man Fairford Town.

Goals from Connor Cocklin and Luke Dempsey sealed Town a safe passage through to the second round, where Andover will face South Counties East Football League side, Croydon F.C.

Town went into the game against the Gloucestershire side on Saturday off the back of a six game unbeaten run in the Wessex League.

But their Hellenic League opponents also carried good form into the Vase fixture, sitting top of Division One West with eight wins from nine.

Andover made three changes to the side that started the previous week at Fawley.

Luke Dempsey returned from injury, Callum Sweeney was handed his first start replacing the departed Charlie Gunson and Adam Grange came in for Rudy Plummer who dropped to the bench.

Andover settled in quickly and claimed the all important first goal in the twelfth minute.

A corner taken by Grange found it’s way across a crowded goalmouth to Cocklin to head home.

Four minutes later Dempsey doubled the score with a low shot again set up by a Grange corner.

Andover continued to be the better side but they had to be constantly aware of the threat posed by their opponents free scoring attack.

Arguably the games turning point arrived three minutes before the interval.

Alex Dockree who had won the ball inside the centre circle when he became the victim of a dangerous tackle by Luke Cordrey and the referee had no hesitation in issuing a straight red to Cordrey.

There are times when playing against ten men does not work to a teams advantage and this was one of them.

For most of the second half Fairford made light of their numerical disadvantage and became the dominant side.

However it was Andover who claim closest to scoring when Sweeney latched on to Grange’s flick.

A goal seemed certain until goalkeeper Ben Mitchell dived full length to scoop the ball of the line with an outstretched hand.

A minute later town had the opportunity to put the game out of reach when Grange was brought down in the box.

Cocklin took the spot kick but Mitchell guessed correctly and saved well.

Fairford then had several good efforts on target the best of which was a volley from twenty five yards which crashed against the bar.

Fairford were then awarded the games second penalty,after Craig Blakeman brought down Jake Mulhench.

Jack Ellis comfortably converted the spot kick.

That strike launched a nervous final fifteen minutes for the Andover travelling but solid defending and some help from lady luck kept Fairford at bay to ensure a place in the second round for the first time in their short history.