Token answer (7)
I believe the answer is:
counter
This clue is a double definition.
'token' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)
'answer' is the second definition.
(countering is a kind of answering)
(Other definitions for counter that I've seen before include "Pawn" , "Sales desk" , "Worktop" , "Board game disc" , "Parry" .)