ANDOVER Town shook off the rust from a fortnight without a game by beating Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-0 on Saturday.

The Portway club, who hadn’t played since beating Team Solent at the end of November, missed out on a fixture in the previous week, with opponents Bournemouth unable to raise a side.

However the enforced break did nothing to hamper Town’s recent improved performances, as they made it back-to-back wins thanks to goals from Lerone Plummer and Javier Santafe-Vivo.

With Zach Glasspool recuperating from his knee operation, recent signings Reese Rusher and Harrison Fay were handed their first starts.

A third newcomer, Dylan Knight, signed on loan from AFC Totton, was also named among the substitutes.

During the first half both sides struggled to find openings.

Whilst Bemerton were the better side going forward it was Andover who came nearest to breaking the deadlock through Rusher’s 25-yard effort.

However the forward’s long rang strike was palmed away by the Quins Goalkeeper Jason Collins for a corner.

The two sides went into half time goalless, but Town started the brighter after the break with Lerone Plummer finding the side netting from a tight angle.

Bemerton’s response was a good effort from John Blake, but goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas was alert to the danger and saved well at the expense of a corner.

With the second period still in its infancy, Alex Dockree had to be stretchered off with what appeared to be a leg injury.

Santafe-Vivo came on as the replacement, while Knight replaced Adam Grange.

Shortly before the hour mark prolific Scott Joyce took advantage of some rare Andover hesitation to run clear with only Thomas to beat.

However the keeper narrowed the angle,spread his body well and the chance went begging.

Finally with fifteen minutes left the all important first goal arrived.

Andover were awarded a free kick in a central position three yards outside the area.

Santafe-Vivo lined the kick up and struck sweetly over the wall into the top corner of the net.

Town’s second and decisive goal arrived seven minutes later.

Plummer, wide on the right, put in a speculative shot that appeared to be travelling high over the bar.

But to his and the crowds surprise, the ball suddenly drifted over Collins’ shoulder and into the net to secure Town’s win.

The result moves Andover up to 16th ahead of a tough game against Portland United on Saturday.

Kick-off: 3pm at the Portway