ANDOVER Town's penalty curse struck again on Saturday as Liam Gilbert's late miss from 12 yards meant they were defeated 1-0 by mid-table Hamworthy United.

The midfielder was denied the chance to net an equaliser two minutes from time, after goalkeeper Tom Scott guessed correctly and saved well from Gilbert's goal-bound effort.

It is the fourth time in five penalty attempts that a Town player has missed from the spot.

The chance came just minutes after the visitors had taken an 85th minute lead through Brad Gale.

The goal was an enormous blow for Andover, who dominated the game for long periods.

Town went into the Wessex Premier League clash hoping to break a three month winless spell at the Portway, with the last home win coming against Royal Wootton Bassett in the FA Cup back in August.

New goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas, signed from Portchester, was handed his debut but Ross Gregory was unavailable due to family commitments.

Town attacked from the start and, with less than a minute gone, almost scored.

However they were denied by the visiting keeper, Scott, who just managed to palm Shane Lock’s dropping volley onto the crossbar and safety.

Whilst Andover had most of the possession, Hamworthy were always dangerous on the break.

They had the two best chances of the first half, but Thomas dealt with them confidently.

Just before the break Lerone Plummer went down in the box but the penalty appeals were quickly waved away by the referee.

The majority of the second period was played in the visitor's half of the field and Town had good chances through Alex Dockree and Chris Onoufriou.

Callam Sweeney was denied a chance after he was beaten to a long clearance by Scott, and this was followed by further near misses from Lock and Plummer.

Town's wastefulness was punished four minutes from time.

With the Andover committed to attack, Rick Swan made a quick break down the Hamworthy right before his cross found colleague Brad Gale who directed his firm shot firmly into the net.

Just two minutes later Andover were handed a golden opportunity to salvage a point.

Plummer was again brought down and this time the penalty was awarded.

Lewis Gilbert took responsibility for the spot kick but Scott guessed correctly and saved well to secure victory for Hamworthy.

Andover Town travel to Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday night for a Sydenhams League Cup game.

The Portsmouth-based side sit third in Division One.

Town then travel to Croydon on Saturday for a FA Vase clash.