ANDOVER Town won their Wessex League Division One basement battle 4-3 against Totton and Eling.

A defeat in this game would have consigned Andover to the league basement position, but this win now gives them a four point advantage over Totton who remain bottom.

However, they have two games in hand over Town who on paper have the tougher run in.

Andover, in what became a seven goal thriller, had the best of the opening exchanges and Jordan Ragguette could well have given Andover an early advantage.

Then a superb run by Ben Emans deserved a reward but Shaquille Gwengwe just failed to find the final touch.

Play continued to flow from end to end and it was the visitors who scored the opening goal as a deep cross into the area was not dealt with and Andover paid the ultimate price.

However, Andover responded with the equaliser five minutes later as George Higgins fired in a low shot

from the edge of the area.

Totton had a goal ruled out following a goalmouth scramble but just before the interval Andover were not so lucky as Totton scored their second following another scramble.

Andover can justifiably feel aggrieved as the free-kick that proceeded the goal was taken at least

10 yards forward of the correct position.

The home side had their tails up as the second half got underway and restricting Totton to their own half for long periods.

It was exciting to watch and the faithful were rewarded just past the hour mark as Josh Bertie’s long range effort sailed into the net.

Then 10 minutes later Gwengwe was upended inside the area and he duly stepped up to convert the penalty and give Andover the lead and set up a nail biting final 20 minutes.

The pace of the match rarely faltered with chances at both ends but with just under 10 minutes left Emans scored a fine fourth goal for Andover that was beautifully set up by Higgins.

Andover may have then switched off as within a minute Totton scored again.

As the seconds ticked away the more pessimistic supporters thought Andover might blow it but they held on to claim the vital three points.

Last Saturday, Andover lost 3-1 at home to Ringwood with Gwengwe scoring their only goal.

This weekend, they have a trip to US Portsmouth.