WIMBORNE Town's hopes of hitting the 100-points-for-the-season tally were dashed by a dozy opening five minutes which handed Andover a final day victory at Cuthbury.

Before most people had even had time to apply their sun cream on a sweltering day, Magpies found themselves two down thanks to goals from Lions' deadly duo of Danny Sullivan and Justin Bennett.

Magpies' own hot-shot Gareth Barnes netted his 25th league goal of the campaign to give Paul Arnold's side second-half hope but their challenge petered out and left them stuck on a tantalising 99 points for the season.

But finishing as runners-up to big-spending Winchester in the Wessex League is by no means a disgrace and the Cuthbury club will pick up some silverware on Tuesday night when they are presented with the Two Counties Cup before their game with Portland United.

And boss Arnold is more than pleased with his side's endeavours this term.

He said: "I think the boys are a little bit disappointed that we didn't reach the 100-point mark but overall, I don't think anyone can argue we've had a great season.

"Sadly we probably made our worst start of the season today so we were always chasing the game.

"Even two down at half-time, I still thought we had a chance and when we got the goal I thought it would give us some momentum but it didn't work out that way.

"It was obviously a hot day and there were some tired legs out there and we have suffered from only having a small squad lately."

Andover's whirlwind start caught Magpies completely cold although they contributed to their own downfall with some sleepy defending.

Scott Cannie's clearance fell straight an Andover man who crossed to the back post where Sullivan was lurking to head home.

And the advantage was doubled just minutes later when the hosts' back line was caught square and Bennett ran through to slip the ball past Stewart Kearn and secure his runners-up spot in the Wessex League top scorers list, behind Winchester's Andy Forbes.

Despite the stunning start, Magpies eased their way back into the game and when Scott Arnold's jinking run took out three men, Barnes was on hand to apply the finishing touch to the cross.

Ollie Phillipson-Masters saw his volley blocked as Arnold's side poured forward in search of the equaliser but it was to be end-of-season disappointment for the Cuthbury faithful.

Before the game, veteran Jamie Sturgess was presented with an award in honour of his 600th appearance for the club.Sturgess joined Magpies in 1989 and was part of the FA Vase winning side of 1992.

Wimborne: Kearn, Sturgess, Cannie, Roast, Phillipson-Masters, Arnold, Clark (Walker 15, Stainer 75), Oldbury (Armour 80), Lucas, Barnes, Smith.

Bournemouth Poppies look set to continue Wessex League football next year after going down 4-0 at Fareham.

Poppies were undone by an Abdoulie Ndoye hat-trick and finish third-bottom in the Wessex League.