Andover 7, Christchurch 2

ANDOVER announced that the fight for the JWL title is still far from over or to be more precise Dave Asker made the statement at The Portway last Thursday night as he scored four of the goals - and arguably a fifth which went in off team-mate Paul Odey - while Lloyd Webber chipped in with the other two.

It was a brilliant showing by Asker who revelled in the space he was given by a Christchurch defence that seven days earlier had restricted the Lions' main contenders for the JWL title to just two goals.

Playing their penultimate home league game of the season, the Lions started with three at the back as they went in search of three vital points but it was the visitors who gained an early lead after Kieron Drake in the home goal missed the ball from corner.

The Lions were soon back on terms with Webber powering home the equaliser before Asker notched his first at the far post. Good work by Andy Forbes set up Asker for his second but the game at that stage was still very open and within two minutes Christchurch had pulled a goal back.

Asker struck again before the break but, with just a single goal between the sides at the break, Christchurch must have thought they had a chance.

However, within five minutes of the restart Asker had killed them off with a shot that went in off of Odey, who had replaced the injured Forbes.

Drake went someway to redeeming his reputation by denying Christchurch a third goal with a super save but, with Alan Kennedy, Spencer Walsh and Webber winning all the ball in midfield, Asker continued to run the visiting defence a merry dance.

There were further chances for Vince Rusher and Odey but it was Asker's night and his last two goals were carbon copies as he exploited the space with his electric pace and give the visiting 'keeper no chance.

In between Asker's last two goals Webber scored his second and in the closing minutes Asker came close to adding another.

After the game the only question left unanswered was when the Lions scored so many goals in a game and a recognised striker did no score any of them?

Andover (3-5-2): Drake; Barker, Crossley, Bicknell; Kennedy, Walsh, Asker, Webber, Dyke; Fobes, Rusher. Subs: Odey (for Forbes 46 mins), Freeman, Damen (not used).