LAVERSTOCK and Ford continued their recent fine run of form with a hard fought 1-0 win in a titanic battle at the navy's Victory Stadium against US Portsmouth.

Going into the game Lavvy's run of form looked inferior against the Portsmouth side who had picked up 19 of a possible 21 points in the previous seven games winning their last five.

With both sides looking to pressurise the sides above them it was always going to be a tight game.

The home side started the brightest but Lavvy soon got into their stride, despite the wind and the rain hammering down, the visitors were looking confident playing quick one touch football.

Tom Mundy went close on 20 minutes, but dragged his shot wide. A free-kick deflected just past the upright was as close as either side came to opening the scoring in the first 45 but at half-time the scores remained 0-0.

The second half, saw US come out aggressively once again but there was no way through a well marshalled back line.

Then on 52, the winning goal came. Chae Sykes fierce goal bound effort was blocked by the arm of a diving US Portsmouth defender and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick.

Adam Bourner stepped up for the second week in succession to put his side in front.

The hosts pressed on and twice were denied by two great saves from George Baxter.

Lavvy then had an effort deflected onto the post and late on Tyler Brockway played in by Lewis Wykes, but his shot was pushed away.

The win sees Lavvy fourth in the table just one point behind third placed Christchurch. This Saturday they entertain lowly Verwood.

After the latest win joint managers Liam McConnell and Rob Lakeman were keen to praise their troops and said: "That's the second week in a row where the conditions should have played a havoc, but yet again the lads refused to allow it affect them.

"There was so much desire to win that game today. We had marked this fixture as one of the toughest of the season, so to come here and deservedly pick up all three points against an in form side in the league - is a great feeling.

"We just have to keep working hard and believing we can achieve results".