TEN-MAN Andover Lions were dumped out of the Hampshire Premier League League Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Division One side South Wonston Swifts.

The Senior Division outfit went into half-time two goals down after goals from Liam Nancholas and Matthew Boast, and a man down after Darren Paris saw red for two quick bookings just before the break.

Andover were hit by a selection crisis prior to the match with a number of key players missing through injury and unavailability.

Even so, they would have been expected to have had enough to defeat their local rivals, who played last season in the Andover football league.

A poor first half put pay to The Lions’ chances and two mishit back passes cost them dear.

Nancholas took full advantage of the first and then Boast pounced on the second to give Swifts a 2-0 lead.

Five minutes before half-time two significant events changed the outcome of the match considerably.

Firstly a Lions corner appeared to be bundled into the net twice in a matter of seconds under pressure from Michael Owen and Prince Xhamela.

However the referee ruled that neither had crossed the line.

Then, minutes later, Paris was sent off for two rapid yellow cards, leaving the Lions with a mountain to climb after the break.

The Lions came out determined in the second half and were rewarded when they were given a penalty for a foul on Oliver Yates.

However Allen was denied by an excellent save by the Swifts’ goalkeeper.

The Lions continued to pressure the Swifts defence and Yates went close on a number of occasions as Pollard ran the game from midfield.

However they could not get the vital breakthrough and fell to a shock defeat.

Caretaker manager, Chris Paris, said: “We knew it would be difficult today with so many out but we didn’t get going until it was too late.

“I can’t understand how we weren’t awarded a goal before halftime and to make it worse that’s the second time it’s happened to us this season.

“Darren let us down in the aftermath and has apologised to us all but the second yellow was ridiculous when you saw some of the other things that went on.

“We will need a couple more signings to help us over this period and we’re looking around.

“Matt Scott, who has been helping out over the last couple of weeks, is now joining me as joint manager and will be coaching the lads midweek.

“He’s been a massive help over the last month and the players respect his ability and knowledge of the game.

“He’s another local lad who wants the best for this club and I’m looking forward to working with him for the rest of the season.