ANDOVER Town were denied a winning start to the New Year by high-flying Sholing, who beat them 2-0 on Tuesday night.

First-half goals from Micky Hubbards and Dan Mason proved the killer blow at Sholing’s Universal Stadium.

But Town made the hosts work hard for their three points and performed well against a strong side, well in the mix for promotion.

Playing up the pronounced slope, Town had an early chance after Adam Grange shrugged off two Sholing tackles to set up Lerone Plummer.

However his effort was diverted for a corner.

At the other end Lloyd Thomas was kept busy until the deadlock was broken with 23 minutes gone.

In a central position a Sholing player appeared to handle the ball, but the referee indicated a free-kick against Andover.

Ross Gregory was cautioned for his protest before Hubbards’ effort curled into the top corner, beyond the reach of Thomas.

Sholing doubled their score five minutes later when Thomas was unable to hold onto a fierce volley and Mason was on hand to net the rebound.

In the second period and now with the slope in their favour, Town looked a much-improved side.

Andover’s passing drastically improved, but Sholing defended well and were always able to get enough men behind the ball to frustrate the visitors.

Manager Glenn Burnett rang the changes at the hour mark, bringing on Carlo Santoro and debutant Mitch Hunt in place of Craig Blakeman and Dylan Knight.

Minutes later Hunt had an opportunity to open his account for Town, but his well-hit volley was met by the hands of goalkeeper Ryan Gosney.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Javier Santafe-Vivo looked to have scored a consolation for Andover from a free-kick which Gosney fumbled.

However the Town goalkeeper managed to make the save at the second attempt to preserve his clean sheet.

Glenn Burnett replaced Harrison Faye (pictured) with Aaran Nesbeth for the final 10 minutes of the contest, but Andover could not make the breakthrough as the game ended 2-0.

The defeat leaves Andover languishing in 16th in the Wessex Premier League ahead of Saturday’s home clash with near neighbours Amesbury Town.

The Wiltshire side, who sit in 11th place, have performed remarkably well in the league this season following their promotion from Division One last year.