LAVERSTOCK and Ford put an end to their horrid run of seven straight defeats in Sydenhams Division One after coming from behind to defeat United Services Portsmouth 2-1 - but it comes at the expense of losing their top scorer.

After Brandon Bowman fired the visitors into the lead, Lavvy’s Russ Jones sustained a nasty arm injury. Despite the setback, Lavvy restored parity ten minutes into the second half when Archie Lovegrove was felled in the area and Adam Bourner converted the penalty kick.

The hosts continued their relentless pressure and were rewarded when Rob Gallagher smashed home the winner after good work by Sam O’Hagan on 70 minutes.

Joint managers Liam McConnell and Robbie Lakeman told JournalSport: “This hasn’t just been tough on us both, but perhaps more so for the players.

“The good signs we have shown in patches came together in that second half and it was great to see them play like that again.”

Fifth-placed Lavvy could be without Jones for the remaining two games.

They travel to Hythe and Dibden on Saturday before hosting Tadley Calleva on April 22 as they they continue to try and catch Christchurch and Shaftesbury in the race for third spot.

They added: “Thankfully he [Russ] hasn’t broken his arm. It would be a sad way for his season to end as he’s been brilliant.”