Didcot Tn 3, Andover 1

DIDCOT Town claimed the Division 1 South & West points against against a resilient Andover, who played most of the match with ten men.

The sending-off of defender Kieron Hall happened in the 32nd minute after Didcot had already raced into a two-goal lead.

There was a distinct Oxford United flavour to the opener when Andrew Gunn, Jamie Brooks and Paul Powell combined to set-up Stuart Beavon, who finished coolly from close-range.

Beavon should have scored again in the 18th minute, but he dragged his shot and the ball rebounded-back off the upright. Beavon hit the post again with another effort in Didcot's next attack.

Beavon then turned provider for Powell, but he blasted high over the bar.

But it wasn't all one-way traffic and Andover had two great chances to equalise midway through the half.

Adam Heath was denied only by a brilliant block on the goal-line from Jack King.

From the resulting corner, Ashley Vine thought he scored when his header beat keeper Chris Webb, but Grant Goodall headed his goal-bound effort away to safety.

Didcot doubled their lead shortly afterwards when Beavon's diagonal run ended with a low cross that King finished-off with ease.

The visitors were reduced to ten men when Hall tripped Beavon as he raced towards goal.

But they had arguably their best spell of the game just after the interval, substitute Simon De'Ath bring a good save from Webb and Vine also going close.

Andover reduced the arrears when Vine thumped the ball home from the edge of the box.

But with 20 minutes left, Beavon fired home with the outside of his right foot to secure victory.

Didcot Tn:

Webb, Goodall (Weatherstone 70), Jack, Green, Gunn, Parrott, Brooks, King, Heapy, Beavon, Powell (Wickens 70).

Attendance:

236.