Bristol Academy 1 Andover Town U18 2.

Andover Town U18s rode their luck to maintain their healthy lead at the top of the SW Counties League when they came from behind to beat Bristol Academy at Stoke Gifford on Saturday morning.

With many of the squad having played several times already that week coach Ron Bertie shuffled his troops and within five minutes George Box had lobbed Town keeper Brad Norris from distance and David Sims-Burgess had hit the post before Town settled on what was a narrow pitch and with a gusting wind. Once they got into the game Charlie Gunson hit the post with a drive and David Jerrard missed from close range but they were given a lifeline on 20 minutes when Sims-Burgess’ shot beat Norris and appeared to come back into play from a stanchion. Town took full advantage within a minute as Josh Bertie struck with an angled left foot drive from 25 yards to equalise.

Przemek Rozanski saw his fine effort tipped onto the bar by home keeper Keiron Provis then Charlie Gunson’s mazy dribble ended with a shot missing by inches and what was a good first period ended with Bertie netting from an offside position.

Tommy Wright missed early on and Sims-Burgess brought a superb save out of Norris but as the game became bogged down chances were few. Michael Donovan headed over then volleyed at Provis from point blank range but Town were not to be denied and with 15 minutes left Gunson nodded the winner following a scramble.