ANDOVER Town produced one of their best performances of the season on Saturday as they trumped ten-man Brockenhurst in a 3-1 away win.

A first half goal from Adam Grange and a brace from in-form Reece Rusher helped Town overcome their hosts, who played the last 45 minutes without Ryan Long after he was dismissed following a scuffle at half-time.

Town travelled to Grigg Lane in high spirits following a well earned point against Hamworthy in their previous fixture.

Manager Glenn Burnett was forced to make two changes to his line-up from that game, with Alex Dockree coming in for the suspended Liam Gilbert.

Carlo Santoro was also brought into the starting eleven to replace Harrison Fay, who completed his move to Wessex Premier League title chasers Blackfield and Langley last week.

Despite heavy overnight rain the pitch survived a morning inspection but remained heavy throughout.

Town appeared to make light of the conditions and, after seeing out a couple of early chances for the hosts, scored the opening goal.

Brockenhurst stopper Callum Maher did well to block a pile driver of a shot from Zac Glasspool, only for the ball to fall kindly at the feet of Rusher, who fired home from the edge of the area.

However Brockenhurst were back on terms within four minutes when Joe Chamberlin found space in a crowded goal area to poke the ball over the line.

Town attacked straight from the kick-off and were awarded a debatable penalty when Glasspool went down after a challenge in the box.

But Javier Santafe-Vivo's spot kick joined Town's long list of squandered penalties this season, with Maher saving.

Despite the setback, Town remained in control and had a number of good chances to regain the lead.

Liam Hibberd shaved the crossbar with a long range effort, while Dockree was denied a goal thanks to a spectacular save from Maher.

Andover were eventually rewarded for their efforts on the cusp of half-time, when Adam Grange netted from close range following some good play by Shane Lock.

Perhaps the most crucial moment of the game took place moments later when the referee blew his whistle to end the first half.

Both teams headed for the changing rooms when an altercation broke out, for which Brockenhurst's Long saw red.

After the break, Town made use of their numerical advantage and controlled the flow of the game.

They sealed their win mid-way through the second-half when Glasspool's perfectly weighted pass found Rusher, who slotted home his second and Town's third.

Rusher had a chance to seal his hat-trick late on, while Lock and Lerone Plummer also had opportunities to increase Town's lead.

However Andover were forced to settle for a tidy 3-1 victory.

The result moves Andover up to 14th in the Premier Division ahead of their home game with Bournemouth on Tuesday night.