Wimborne Town 2 Andover 0

Despite a gallant second half performance, a below-strength Andover side succumbed to a Wimborne team seeking the league's runner-up position at the Cuthbury on Saturday.

The ground has never been a favourite for the Lions, and they still have yet to win there in nine attempts.

In a largely uneventful first half, Wimborne had most of the possession but were unable to turn that advantage into goals. For that, Kieron Drake was mainly responsible. If the home side's chances were not going high or wide then he was always there to deny the opportunity.

The Lions' best effort in the opening period fell to Justin Bennett, whose drive from the edge of the area crashed against the bar with the goalkeeper beaten. There were no problems with the Lions' approach play but they were unable to get behind a defence that has conceded on average less than a goal per game this season.

During the second half the Lions became the more positive side. Kevin Reacord had two good chances, and as he later contemplated his easter eggs he must have wondered how he missed the second.

Allan Kennedy was at his most industrious, and his good work set up Dean Cole, who put his final effort inches the wrong side of the post.

With half an hour left Dave Mariner brought down the always dangerous Gareth Barnes, and Wimborne skipper Darren Powell dispatched the spot-kick beyond Drake's reach.

Mario Nurse was unlucky not to equalise with a header that the goalkeeper did well to reach, and the Lions remained committed to attack, but this proved to be their undoing. As a Lions approach broke down a quick clearance upfield caught Andover off guard, and Drake could do little to stop Barnes putting the game beyond the visitors' reach.