A MONTH'S break from the beautiful game meant Laverstock & Ford were raring to go on Saturday and their fresh legs contributed to completing the league double over rivals Ringwood Town.

Ford last stepped onto a pitch on December 28 - at home to New Milton Town - after three successive postponements in Sydenhams Division One, so they relished the chance to leapfrog their neighbours on Saturday.

It took an 11th minute header from Kieran Mulcahy, after meeting James Clifton's cross, to settle the affair at the Canotec Stadium.

The weather, once again, did its utmost to prevail, with a handful of games already being signed off in the morning, but the pitch in Ringwood soaked up the rain well.

Free-flowing football was still hard to conquer, though, with the wetness and wind ensuring limited chances were on offer for both teams.

Ford edged the first half as they kept possession neatly and nearly celebrated a second after Sammy Miller went clear on goal. Town were predominantly testing Ringwood with long-range efforts and keeper Steve Butler had to remain alert.

The second half mirrored the first – chances wise – and play started to deteriorate as a storm struck the town, which worsened the conditions.

The visitors marginally stayed on top, looking the most likely to add to their lead, but the scoreline didn’t alter. In fact, both sides were put out of their misery when the full time whistle was blown.

“I was delighted with the character the team showed in some of the worst conditions I have ever seen football played in,” said boss Robbie Lakeman, whose Lavvy side completed the league double over Charlie Pierson’s Town.

“Ringwood themselves said that if the storm had been forecasted there was no way the game would have been played.

“We were lucky to score as early as we did but fully deserved the goal. Kieran is playing the best he has done for sometime now, which gives us a great threat going forward.”

Verwood Town were hoping to travel to Horndean on Tuesday night but their game was cancelled in the afternoon.

The Potters, who now go to Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday (3pm), are currently seeking a commercial manager.

To apply, email your CV to chairman Steve Jefferis at stevejj43@gmail.