TOBY Holmes’ hat-trick was not enough to see Wimborne Town through to the FA Cup first qualifying round at Andover Town.

Glenn Burnett’s Sydenhams Premier underdogs put up one hell of a fight in a 3-3 thriller at the Portway Stadium.

After conceding two early goals, Andover battled back to lead 3-2 through Mike Gosney’s glancing header and strikes from Zach Glasspool and Shane Lock. Incredibly all five goals were crammed inside a 15-minute spell.

It remained that way until five minutes after the break when Holmes’ completed his treble from an acute angle to bring the Evo-Stik South West visitors back on terms.

Town goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas made two vital interceptions to thwart dangerman Holmes and Dan Cann while, at the other end, visiting stopper Gerard Benfield did well to deny Reece Rusher.

Andover piled on the late pressure with ex-AFC Totton wing wizard Gosney twice going close while Benfield used his legs to repel efforts from Jason Silver and Rusher.

In time added on, Thomas made another well-judged save to secure a replay at Cuthbury this evening (Tuesday, 7.45pm). The winners will entertain Cadbury Heath in the first qualifying round.

*IAN Saunders joined his old club Winchester City in the FA Cup first qualifying round hat as his AFC Portchester side saw off ten-man Amesbury Town 3-1 at the Blanchard Wells Stadium.

Nathan Kirby, Steve Ramsey and ex-Saints trainee Bobby Scott scored for the Royals with Amesbury having a man sent off at 1-1.

Portchester now host Dorchester Town.

There was a red card too at Binfield where Sydenhams Premier high-riders Horndean forced a 1-1 draw with their Hellenic League hosts.

Miles Everett had put the Deans in front following a good first-half move involving Jack Maloney and Harry Jackson. The visitors then conceded an equaliser before having Ash Howes dismissed.

The teams square up again at Five Heads Park this evening (Tuesday, 7.45pm) with Horndean boss Michael Birmingham believing things can only get better. “We looked flat and stale and will settle for a second bite,” he said.

Should the Deans triumph, they would host Bodmin Town.

*PORTLAND United boss Simon Browne admitted it wasn’t the Blues’ day as they exited the FA Cup 3-0 at home to higher league Paulton Rovers.

Strikes by Dale Evans, Sam Hillard and Jack Ball saw the Evo-Stik South West visitors over the line against the reigning Sydenhams Premier champions.

Ruing an opportunity missed, Browne reflected: “We didn’t play as well as we can do.

“The scoreline flattered them a bit, but they came down and did a professional job on us.”

Sydenhams Premier new boys Shaftesbury exited 2-1 in an ill-tempered tie at Tavistock. They trailed 2-0 at half-time before Adam Flint replied.

Tavvy ended the game with ten men following a retaliatory stamp which sparked a melee on the touchline.

It was curtains too for Sydenhams One leaders Laverstock & Ford, beaten 4-2 at home by Knaphill. Graham Mankin (80 mins) and Adam Bourner (82 mins) hit late Lavvy goals.