ANDOVER Town could have followed on Tuesday's 5-0 win with a similar win, but in the end they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against visiting East Cowes Vics, writes JOANNE WYATT.

A tight defence prevented their mid table opponents having many goal scoring opportunities and moreover Andover won the midfield battles where man of the match Nickoy Pinnock provided a solid performance.

Even though the first half did not provide the crowd with any goals the home fans were not disappointed with their teams tidy possession play and controlled attacking moves.

Left winger Ben Emans once again caused problems and within the first few minutes hit two telling crosses into the penalty area, neither of which found a blue shirt.

Midway through the half Andover seemed to change gear and start to apply even more pressure. There was a period of corners and free kicks all of which offered promise but none of which paid off.

With 30 minutes gone Brendon Holmes launched one of his signature shots from a William Green pass, but it went side of the mark.

This was quickly followed by two chances for Ben Emans. The first hit the post as he tried to convert a Shaquille Gwengwe free-kick and the second skimmed the crossbar following a solo run from midfield.

After the break, Gwengwe continued to delight the home fans as he had on Tuesday evening, but was not rewarded with a goal.

Against the run of play, a Joe Butcher shot saw Tasker produce the best save of the match with lightening reactions.

Then in the 74th minute Pinnock was brought down in the penalty area and Gwengwe made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Andover kept the pressure on and Gary Thorne was the next to have a chance of scoring glory.

A well placed Bertie free-kick saw the defender head just over the bar.

Holmes then set up Nathan Lunness who launched a powerful strike, which was on target, but hit a defender going out for a corner.

With only a couple minutes left, East Cowes were awarded a free-kick close to the halfway line.

The ball was curled into the area and Henry West smashed the ball past Tasker for the equaliser to deny the home side a win.

Drawing with a team who started the game eighth in the league was a good result for Andover.

This Saturday, Andover are away on the Isle of Wight against Newport and ten on Tuesday night, they entertain holders Andover New Street in the semi-final of the Andover Open Cup.

The final is at Portway on Wednesday April 24 against Andover New Street Swifts.