LAVERSTOCK and Ford ensured it was a St Patrick’s weekend to remember with a hard fought and vital 3-1 win over East Cowes Vics during their trip to the Isle Of Wight.

With other games in the league postponed, the fixture at Beatrice Avenue survived the late pitch inspection and despite the sleet and icy winds the game went ahead.

Laverstock were hit hard with a number of absentees for the fixture so called upon the experienced Phil Morgan to make his first start in nearly four months.

Lewis Wykes was available once again and Chris Guthrie another who has not featured since 2017 was available for the fixture.

The game got off to a lively start Laverstock dominating possession despite playing into a strong wind, looked comfortable going forward.

However on 18 minutes, they were a goal behind. a free-kick conceded centrally 25 yards out flew into the top corner past the returning Alexis Ageur courtesy of Ji Nash.

Instantly Laverstock went on the offensive and should have immediately been awarded a penalty.

An East Cowes defender seemed to punch the ball off the line, but neither official reacted.

However on 27, Laverstock were awarded a penalty, Phil Morgan was adjudged to have been hauled back and Adam Bourner made no mistake from the spot to equalise.

Russ Jones and Tom Mundy went close before the break but could not convert, leaving both sides level at the break.

The second half started in similar fashion, Laverstock going on the attack without much success.

East Cowes were finding things difficult playing into the wind but on the rare occasion they broke they did cause some uncomfortable moments.

Ageur made two key blocks to deny top marksman Norman, so when Lewis Wykes was introduced with 30 minutes to go, Lavvy seemed to go through the gears looking for the vital second.

Instantly Wykes was causing problems for the home side and on 77 he capitalised on a poor pass back and coolly slotted home much to the delight of the loyal Lavvy following who made the long trip.

East Cowes had time for one final chance but a brilliant reflex save from Ageur denied them with a swift counter attack Tom Mundy rounded the home keeper to slot home on the final blow to make it 3-1 and a valuable three points.

Liam McConnell and Rob Lakeman said: "This trip is always tricky no matter who you are. We had some players missing today for one reason or another but it opened up doors for players like Jamie Ritchie, Charlie Burden who came in and did really well.

“It was great to see Phil back in the green and white he's been fantastic for us over the years and stepped straight in today without complaints.

“Alexis has had to fight with George for the number one jersey and was in fine form today and of course seeing Lewis returning to the side and to grab the winner was just the icing on the cake!

They added: “We have said from the start of the season we need depth to the squad to achieve results we want, so despite it being tested today we deserved that victory. We have a huge week of fixtures but our focus now turns to Tuesday as long as the weather is kind to us!"

Laverstock are at home to leaders Christchurch on Tuesday and they travel to promotion rivals Andover New Street on Friday.