ANDOVER Town were indebted to AFC Totton for the ‘loan’ of experienced defender Dave Allen on Saturday.

With four players injured and two suspended, the Sydenhams Premier Division leaders were up against it for their trip to Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

But, boosted by Allen’s assured presence at centre-back, Town emerged 3-1 winners at Western Way, keeping them ten points clear of chasing Blackfield & Langley at the top.

After Reece Rusher had fired Andover into a 17th-minute lead from Ben Cook’s assist, Bemerton were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half-time when Jack Slade was controversially shown a straight red for what looked a hard but fair tackle on Aaron Nesbeth.

Town’s injury woes intensified just before the hour when Joe Chamberlain was carried off and, as an added blow, Jake Burgess pulled Bemerton level on 62 minutes.

Andover's mood darkened when they had what looked a clearcut penalty appeal turned down for a foul on Joe Wright and their luck seemed to have well and truly deserted them when Cook’s effort struck the underside of the bar.

But Burnett’s men kept plugging away and grabbed the vital second goal on 79 minutes when Rusher teed up Mike Gosney to sweep home.

Six minutes later the points were assured when Cook converted from Gosney’s pull-back.

Bemerton piled on the late pressure, but Town 'keeper Luke Cairney pulled off two blocks in quick succession before Allen weighed in with another crucial clearance.

Andover boss Glenn Burnett tweeted: “Outstanding performance from the lads today ... with the injuries and suspensions it was a very changed side but credit to the boys on a great footballing display.

“A big thank you to @AFC Totton for today's loan of Dave Allen ... Great performance and professionalism.”

Totton boss Louis Langdown felt it made good sense all round to get Allen a game, given that the experienced defender is still feeling his way back from long-term injury.

With army man Stuart Mott back in the fold for Christmas, the Stags were well covered in central defence for Saturday's inspired Evo-Stik South West win at Bristol Manor Farm, even though Aldershot Town loanee Jack Barker was ruled out by ligament damage to his hand.

“Dave's comfortable, he’s a good pro and he knows exactly how Andover need him to play,” said Langdown. “I knew he’d have no problems fitting into their team.

“I spoke to him beforehand and he was happy to go and get 90 minutes.

“He’d played really well for us in a couple of cup games, but he’s in the same boat as Motty trying to break into our side. The two Jacks (Smith and Barker) have been doing well together and Callum Chugg came back in with a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday."

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) Andover host Winchester Castle Reserves in the North Hants Senior Cup first round.