THREE goals behind after an hours play Andover staged a remarkable recovery to maintain their challenge for a top two finish to the season.

Arguably the championship is now beyond their reach but one point from their remaining three games will secure the runner up spot.

Andover made a good start to this game. In the second minute Ben Cook’s volley struck a post.

Reece Rusher then latched onto the rebound but goalkeeper Chad Collins managed to save at the expense of a corner.

Shortly after, Team Solent opened their account when they won a free-kick from just outside the box, which Mason Walsh converted with some ease.

Andover had a couple of good chances before the visitors doubled their lead after 18 minutes.A misdirected back pass left Luke Cairney in trouble leaving Hisham Kasimu the simple task of prodding the ball over the line.

Collins helped maintain the advantage with two excellent saves. He tipped Jason Silver’s curler over the bar and did even better to keep out Cook’s close range effort.

Mike Gosney replaced Silver at the start of the second half and almost scored with his first touch, a free-kick that skimmed the outside of the post.

On the hour mark it looked game over as Team Solent scored their third goal.

Kasimu was left unattended and took full advantage to plant an unstoppable volley beyond Cairney’s reach.

With 20 left Andover were offered a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty which Joe Wright duly converted.

Cook,who was impressive all evening,was a millimetre away from converting a Rusher cross before Michael Hubbard's strike came back off the post and Luke Dempsey following up made no mistake and Andover were truly back in the game.

With 10 minutes left, Andover were awarded their second penalty of the evening. Gosney took the spot kick but Collins went the right way to make the save.

Solent appeared to be hanging on to their narrow advantage but just three minutes were left as Cook picked out Zach Glasspool whose sweet strike sailed into the top corner leaving Collins clutching at air.

As the final whistle sounded the loud sigh of relief that echoed around the Portway will have been heard in the Town Centre.

This Saturday, Andover entertain Fareham and then on Tuesday are at Amesbury