ANDOVER New Street boss John Smith says his ten man side were unlucky to lose in their 2-1 home defeat to Ringwood last Saturday.

The Division One strugglers were on course to earn an important draw until an unfortunate own goal, late in the second half, gifted their high-flying visitors a win.

Jesse Todd jumped to clear a freekick from the edge of his own box, but instead headed the ball past stunned New Street stopper Dave Tasker and into the top corner.

It was a killer blow for the Foxcotte Park side, who had lost Callum Sweeney to a straight red card minutes before.

New Street started the brighter of the two sides and initially took the lead through an own goal after 20 minutes.

Jacob Marsh burst down the right and produced a cross for Matthew Styles, whose knock towards goal was finished by a Ringwood defender.

Andover continued to play well but were pegged back on 35 minutes by a good effort from Charlie Heggan.

Neither side could land another blow before half-time as they left the field with the game balanced at 1-1.

Both sides had chances early on in the second half, but the pivotal moment came 20 minutes from time.

Sweeney’s hooked challenge was deemed as dangerous play and referee Adam Osborne quickly produced a straight red card.

Despite being down to ten men, Andover held on well and looked likely to secure a point.

However Todd’s unfortunate header, which left Tasker stranded in the New Street goal, gifted all three points to visiting Ringwood.

After the match, Smith said: “I think we were a bit unlucky. We looked like the better side for long periods of the game.

“But as a side we look live we’ve made some massive strides, particularly since we brought in a few new players.

“It looks like we are cutting it with the other sides in this league now.

"Every game we are cutting it with them.”