THE Sydenhams Wessex League summit meeting between table-toppers and title holders Winchester City and four-times champions Lymington & New Milton in 11 days time took on extra significance last night.

That's when Ian Robinson's Linnets' drew level with Winchester on 84 points at the top following their battling 2-1 victory over Brockenhurst after Neil Hards' City had slumped 3-1 at home to Andover earlier in the day.

There were mixed fortunes for Winchester hot-shot Jamie Laidlaw, who had a 28th-minute penalty saved by Lions keeper Colin Hopkins before he gave the home side the lead six minutes later.

Phil Andrews equalised for Andover after 62 minutes and, moments later, a cross from the left was blocked and Justin Bennett prodded the visitors ahead at the second attempt.

Laidlaw then fouled Bennett in the penalty area and Bennett dusted himself down to stroke home the resultant spot-kick after 81 minutes.

City had Jamie Austen sent off for a foul on Bennett just two minutes later.