Suspensions prove costly for Harlequins (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Suspensions prove costly for Harlequins

A POOR disciplinary record got the better of Harlequins with the loss through suspension of both central defenders, Jamie Boswell and Darren Harding for the visit of Andover.

That left a big gap and the 'Quins could not fill it adequately as both Andover goals came from dreadful defensive errors.

The game started at a frantic pace with Bemerton taking the lead after only two minutes.

Ian Chalk worked his way into the penalty area and went past ex-Heath 'keeper Colin Hopkins only to be upended.

The resulting penalty was struck home by Stuart Findlay for his 35th goal of the season.

Former Salisbury City player Darren Crook could have made it two, but his astute snapshot went just wide.

Andover dangerman Vince Rusher was substituted after only 12 minutes with a thigh strain and Harlequins began to control the game.

But the visitors always looked dangerous on the break with Peter Kingman poking wide after Scott Kemmis lost the ball after a challenge by the striker.

It was end to end stuff with both 'keepers saving their sides.

Andover broke again on 38 minutes and won a free kick on the left. Danny Sullivan's kick was pinpoint and Justin Bennett nipped in between two defenders to sidefoot home the equaliser for a 1-1 half time score.

Early in the second half, Chalk wasted a good chance when he headed over with only Hopkins to beat.

Then Mark Daubney also missed with an open header which he directed wide.

As both sides looked to be holding onto their point, the quality descended as a midfield battle cancelled out any attacking threat and the ball was given away needlessly.

Andover were showing more endeavour and in the 75th minute scored what turned out to be the winner when a right wing break and cross from Mark Nurse led to the unmarked Bennett scoring.