Sydenhams Wessex League Division One

Andover 0 Bemerton HH 1

STUART Findlay's 85th minute goal proved enough to land Bemerton Heath Harlequins all three points in this entertaining match at Andover.

Bemerton attacked from the start and had the ball in the net after five minutes when Matt Baker shot home as he strode in from the left. However, the assistant referee flagged for offside against Findlay who did not look to be interfering with play.

Then Heath again gave Andover a fright as Findlay burst through but shot wide, and he was caught offside after using his speed to get clear.

The home side came into the game and Darren Crowfoot did exceptionally well to smother Vince Rusher's effort and then made a brilliant save, turning Matt Styles' shot behind for a corner.

In an end to end encounter, Ian Chalk set up Findlay whose shot was deflected for a corner. Justin Bennett worked a good opening but the shot cannoned off a defender for yet another corner.

Former Harlequins custodian Colin Hopkins was much the busier keeper and he did well keeping out Neil Cole and Baker.

The start of the second half proved a replica of the first with Findlay forcing the ball home from Chalk's pass, but the offside flag again ruled out the goal.

Andover created a good chance but Rusher and Bennett got in each other's way and the ball went over the bar.

Phil Andrews replaced Styles in the 56th minute and he was in the game immediately, supplying an accurate right wing cross which Crowfoot plucked out of the air.

Cole, who again turned in a man of the match performance, was having a terrific aerial battle with Glen Damon who was shown a yellow card in the 70th minute for another late tackle on the Heath target man.

More changes saw Mario Nurse on for Callum Earl for Andover while the 'Quins pushed on Jason Brice for Graham Mankin.

Brice worked down the left and created an opening for Cole on the far post, but his header back found Chalk who was offside.

A great run by Baker took him past two defenders and he cut inside to unleash a shot which was hacked off the line and away for a corner.

But from the set-piece, Cole headed over.

With Harlequins now controlling the game, they should certainly have gone ahead but Hopkins was again on hand to keep out another Baker effort.

Finally, in the 85th minute, the 'Quins got the stroke of luck they deserved.

Brice combined with Chalk on the left to get in a good centre which Cole headed back for Findlay to touch home in acres of space.

The referee was surrounded by Andover players as they thought Brendan Summers was fouled in the build-up.

He had to leave the field with an injury and Paul Gulliver came on.

Andover created a last minute chance but the ball was squeezed against an upright before Nathan Renyard hacked it clear.

Harlequins head to Christchurch on Saturday for their FA Vase clash.

Unless a replay is required, they will then entertain Lymington & New Milton on Tuesday evening at Western Way.

Heath progressed to the second round of the Russell Cotes Cup after beating Hartley Wintney 7-0 last Tuesday.

The club's reserves have been drawn at home to Eastleigh Reserves in the next round of the Wessex Combination Cup.