ANDOVER'S journey on this season's FA Cup trail ended before it had really begun at picturesque Sussex County League Ringmer on Saturday.

Still suffering from the loss of at least eight players due to suspension and injury the Lions were unable to impose themselves on a Ringmer outfit that went into the game having scored just three times in six league outings.

Andover not only had to play with temperatures in the high 80s but also had to adjust to a pitch whichhad an eight foot slope from end to end.

The slope was in their favour in the first half but 20 minutes had elapsed before Danny Sullivan went close to opening Lions' account.

Five minutes later an excellent crossfield pass gave him a better opportunity but his drive hit a post and Phil Andrews found the side netting with the rebound.

Full report in Friday's Andover Advertiser