Andover Tn 1 (Bye 54)

Didcot Tn 0

Didcot Town's hopes of winning the Division 1 South & West championship suffered a blow as they went down to a disappointing defeat in Hampshire on Saturday.

A goal from Joe Bye was the difference between the sides, but Didcot, who were looking for an eighth win in a row, have only themselves to blame after frittering away a host of chances to slip five points behind leaders Farnborough.

Ashley Vine, one of three Didcot players appearing against their old club, headed Paul Powell's cross over the bar as the visitors started strongly.

At the other end, Mick Turvey went close before Witt should have done better, but fired wide after a great through-ball from Vinny Rusher.

Rusher saw a shot blocked by keeper David Hook, before Jack King had a goal-bound shot deflected over.

Vine was then guilty of some indecision when he chose to shoot tamely at Hook rather than square the ball across for King who was clear in the middle.

Hook parried a Matty Jack shot, with King and Rusher having shots blocked.

Just before the break, Andover's Glen Damen headed wide from Bye's cross.

Rusher should have given Didcot the lead in the first minute of the second half, but shot wide.

Witt then bundled the ball home only to have the effort ruled out for off-side.

It was against the run of play that Andover got the winner when Didcot keeper Michael Watkins misjudged Bye's cross and the ball flew high into the net.

Jamie Laidlaw had the chance to put Didcot out of sight, but squandered two good opportunities.

Didcot kept up the pressure with King, Vine and Rusher seeing goal-bound shots blocked. Rusher then missed his kick from ten yards out.

Andy Parrott saw his header cleared off the line before Owen Elias almost sliced the ball into his own net with Hook beaten.

Andover substitute Kyle Swayne missed two sitters in the closing stages.

Didcot could have salvaged a point in stoppage time, but Anaclet Odhiambo headed narrowly wide, to end a disappointing day for Stuart Peace's side.

Didcot Tn: Watkins, Heapy, Bicknell (Odhiambo 56), Parrott, Peirson (Davis 70), Jack, Witt, King, Rusher (Mulvany 75), Vine, Powell.