AMESBURY tasted league victory success for the first time since, January 14, with a narrow 2-1 win against Brockenhurst at Bonnymead Park.

Brockenhurst started the match with a lot of pace and as early as the first minute carved out a chance when Noel McCarthy-Gardiner headed wide following a quick build up.

Amesbury hit back when Kieran Stephens did well on the left and crossed to the far post which found Luke Greenway who fired wide.

On the quarter hour a cutting pass by the visitors came to Matt Casey in a dangerous position but on the slippery surface his turn and shot was just wide, Casey followed this with a drive from 20 yards that just cleared the bar.

But Amesbury then took the lead on 27 minutes with an excellent team move. Cameron Roach took control on the left and played an lovely pass to George Higgins, he slid the ball through to Harry Beckley who timed his run superbly to slot home past the advancing keeper Matt Taylor.

Brockenhurst continued to threaten Amesbury’s slim lead, Mark Barker always a danger from dead balls, got the ball into Matt Burt in the six yard box and his turn and shot was saved at point blank range by Paddy Creese.

The away side continued to apply pressure in the second half whilst Amesbury defended deep and looked to counter attack. The New Forest side had a number of corners and one way cleared off the line. They deservedly equalised on 67 minutes when a good ball was played into the danger area and Amesbury did not clear and the ball came out to Casey who fired home from inside the area into the top corner.

The goal and the introduction of debutant Jordan Matthews on 70 minutes seemed to give Amesbury fresh impetus.

On 75 minutes a decent cross from the left was headed onto the bar by Matthews and Cameron Roach was on hand to head home the rebound.

Sadly Matthews landed awkwardly and had to replaced by Cameron George after just 5 minutes on the field. Both sides had good chances following this, George broke clear but blasted over the bar as the Blues looked to seal victory but Brockenhurst almost took a point when Cassius Newton forced Creese to tip over the bar after sustained pressure from the visitors.

This was a fine victory for Amesbury as they now look forward to a showdown at old boss Jim Macey’s Petersfield Town on Saturday, August 12.