BULLISH Amesbury Town continued their formidable start to the season, reserving their place in the next round of the FA Vase after a 3-1 win over Hythe and Dibden.

A fine 15 minutes put the blues in the driving seat as they found themselves 2-0 up against league rivals Hythe.

Tyler Brockway headed home Eddie Perrett’s cross, who assisted a second, this time crossing for Danny Finnigan to bury his effort into the net.

Amesbury were cruising and were protecting a two-goal cushion until the 57th minute, when the visitors pulled one back.

And Amesbury’s character was put to the test after losing Connor Palmer to a second yellow card.

But as Hythe pressed for a leveller, Finnigan concluded the victory by rising majestically to advance the keeper with a looping header.

That goal, along with £600 prize money, booked a trip to Longwell Green Sports in the second round qualifying.

“I can't praise the players highly enough for the way in which they have approached the start of this season,” said manager Gareth Horner. Hythe are a decent side and will be near the top come the end of the season.

“It's great credit to the squad, especially with no reserve side, that they remain so committed and I just hope we can carry the momentum forward.

Before the FA Vase continues for the Bonnymead Park side on October 4, it’s back to league basics with a second home match, welcoming Cowes Sports on Saturday (3pm).

Horner, having engineered four wins from five starters, added: “I still don't think we have played to our real potential and believe there is a lot more to come.

“You often see sides fall away from the Wessex One summit, so it's too early to be talking about promotion but to win three of your first four all of which were tough away trips is a good return and adding Saturday’s FA Vase victory was great.”

LAVERSTOCK and Ford, who last kicked a ball on August 20, return to action next week.

Laverstock play their fifth game of the new campaign at Team Solent on September 20 (3pm).