Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2 Andover 1

A PENALTY three minutes into added time deprived Andover of a vital point at Western Way on Saturday, writes Graham Cousins.

If football matches were decided on the amount of possession a team enjoys then the Lions would have won this match by a cricket score. In reality they failed to convert the majority of the possession they received and paid an expensive price.

Sam Rea and Justin Bennett both had sharp chances in the opening minutes but Bemerton got off the mark with their first attack of the game. Hesitation at the back allowed a right wing cross to filter through for former Salisbury striker Ian Chalk to score at the far post.

Despite being without the suspended Steve McNulty and the injured Vince Rusher the Lions continued to see more of the ball but could only manage two efforts on target in the first half.

The second period started with the Lions maintaining the majority of the possession but still failing to make any impact in the final third, but with 30 minutes left Terry Lynch and Dean Cole replaced Reacord and Rea, and at last Andover were able to put some pressure on the Quins in their own area.

The game's best movement ended with Lynch firing narrowly wide before he and Cole combined to force Bemerton goalkeeper Colin Hopkins into two fine saves.

Time was running out for the Lions but after more excellent build-up they equalised. Gavin Richards crossed from the edge of the area and let Mario Nurse at the far post do the rest.

The final throw of the dice came as Richard Pratley and former Lion Neil Cole tangled on the edge of the area. The referee did not respond, but his assistant raised his flag and the penalty was awarded. Hopkins scored his ninth penalty of the season.

It was tough luck on the Lions but they still have much to look forward to this season.