MANAGERLESS Amesbury Town slumped to a 2-1 Sydenhams Premier defeat against Alresford Town.

The Blues, rocked by last week's acrimonious departure of first team boss Jim Macey, took an early second-half lead through sub Mike Weatherall.

Chris Mason levelled for the Magpies from a Tom Sands knockdown and Sam Burt's cool finish completed the comeback.

Caretaker manager Nick Horner - the father of Macey's predecessor Gareth - hailed his side's effort.

"I've got to say what a great effort from the lads at Amesbury Town FC. So proud of them, that defeat felt like a victory with12 players giving everything," he said on Twitter.

Amesbury - away to Blackfield & Langley in the league on Saturday where they look to end a wretched run of one win in 11 matches - have shut the door on applications for the vacant manager's job.

They set Sunday as the deadline for applications due to lots of interest.

For more details about the role, contact chairman Steve Pearce on 07885473380.