THERE was relief and delight for Bemerton Heath Harlequins boss Ian Chalk after his side ended a “horrendous” barren spell in Wessex Premier at Hamworthy United.

A miraculous 40-yard strike from Graham Mankin and Scott Joyce’s brace secured a convincing 3-1 away victory as Harlequins kissed goodbye to their run of seven straight defeats.

Inspiring the visitors to victory was Mankin’s wonder goal after just 25 seconds had been played.

Tom Moseley’s cross was cleared into the path of Mankin who, after being declared fit again after a three week absence, sent a screaming missile on the volley in the top corner.

The second half sprang into life inside 10 minutes when great work from Reece Rusher down the left ended with the youngster picking out Joyce with a pinpoint cross. The prolific forward headed it past the stranded keeper to put the visitors 2-0 up.

Bemerton went on to dominate proceedings and extended their lead when Moseley's cross was again met by Joyce at the far post and the striker took a touch before firing low into the corner for his second and Bemerton’s third.

The only setback for the day was when Bemerton’s chances of a first league clean sheet in nine weeks were scuppered after Sam Carr converted a consolation goal six minutes from time.

Chalk said: “It’s always nice to win especially after the horrendous run we've been on but even in that time, except from the Winchester Game, we've played really well and been massively unlucky on so many occasions.

“It's no coincidence that when I have a full team to pick from we are a match for anyone. On 16 occasions this season, I've had four or five players missing for games and that's impossible to cope with.

“On Saturday, I had Mankin, Williams, Hutchinson, although he slipped a disc in the warm up so could be a long term absentee, and Roberts all back and we instantly looked stronger.

Jack Eves was away so when he comes back we should almost be at full strength and hopefully we can have a good finish to the season.

“Everything was right, the pitch was good, the conditions were perfect, our attitude was spot on and even the officials had a good day!”