CHARLIE Gunson scored a hat-trick for Andover Town as they beat Fawley 4-1 on Saturday to move to within a point of second placed Blackfield and Langley.

The forward opened the scoring after 30 minutes before scoring a second half brace to claim the match ball and an important victory for his side.

New signing Ashley Vickers also got on the score-sheet on his home debut.

Playing at the Portway, Town went into the game knowing they could narrow the gap on promotion rivals Blackfield and Langley, who were given a weekend off ahead of their Southampton Senior Cup final on Wednesday night.

Manager Neil Benson made seven changes to his side who had comfortably beaten Wessex Premier League bottom side Folland Sport 3-0 in the week.

This included bringing in goalkeeper Michael Horne in place of Jamie Bray who had picked up a knock in pre-match training.

Vickers was bought into the side for his second game for Town, while Lloyd Foot, who has been unavailable for most of the season so far, was named amongst the substitutes.

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(Defender Ashley Vickers scored on his home debut for Town)

Despite the changes, the game remained largely uneventful in the opening half hour with only Fawley's Ben Bolton able to fashion a half chance - a long range volley which was easily saved by Horne.

The game sprung into life in the 35th minute however when Sammy Pekun weaved through a crowd of defenders before setting up Gunson to sweetly stroke the ball into the bottom corner.

The goal gave Town a 1-0 lead at the break and set them up well for the second half.

Andover maintained the advantage after the interval and just minutes after the restart they doubled their lead.

A corner from the left was swung into the six yard box and Vickers was first to it, heading past Fawley goalkeeper Michael Edgar.

A dramatic change in weather ensued as hail stones began to lash down on the Portway pitch.

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(Heavens open: Hat-trick hero Charlie Gunson battles through the hail storm)

However Town remained unfazed and within two minutes Gunson had doubled his tally, lobbing Edgar with a delicate chip to put Andover 3-0 up.

The hosts continued to create chances but it was Fawley who struck next from the penalty spot.

Town appealed for an offside after Connor Kelly had latched on to a through ball.

However the linesman's flag remained by his side as a rushing Horne was forced to bring down the forward and concede a penalty.

Kelly brushed himself down before scoring the penalty to make it 3-1.

Town continued to push forward despite the setback and soon after Gunson completed his hat-trick with a fine solo effort.

The forward skilfully beat three defenders before scoring a superb shot to earn himself the match ball.

The result moves promotion chasing Town just a point behind second placed Blackfield and Langley.

However the Southampton based side now have a game in hand.

Town will continue their promotion push when they face 12th placed Lymington Town away on Saturday.