VERWOOD Town were clawed back three times by a tenacious Bournemouth Poppies in an enjoyable 3-3 draw at Potterne Park.

Substitute Declan Cleft put the hosts 1-0 up two minutes prior to the break for a one-goal cushion.

Diane Bassiriki restored parity for the visitors 16 minutes into the second half but a minute later Potters were back in front through non-league legend Taffy Richardson.

Poppies' Connor Doe soon levelled matters in the thrilling contest.

Cleft restored the Verwood lead until Fawzi Saadi equalised with a late free-kick to rubber-stamp Poppies' Wessex Premier status for another season.

Carl Poore, who has just completed his first year in charge of the Potters, said: "We have conceded too many goals this season and it’s something we need to work on. It wasn’t the best of games.”

Verwood, 15th in the standings, chase down their first win in eight matches at relegation-dwindling Totton and Eling on Saturday (3pm.)

Meanwhile, Ringwood Town close their indifferent campaign in Wessex Division One on Saturday at Cowes Sports (3pm).