LAVERSTOCK and Ford were the latest victims of Hythe and Dibden’s five goal rush in their return to Sydenhams Division One action after a month’s break due to weather inflicted postponements.

They were in for a tough night on Tuesday as opponents Hythe were fresh from blasting five past rivals Ringwood Town and they were out in force once again.

Their title ambitions reflected their style of play, moving the ball quickly and making it difficult for Robbie Lakeman’s youngsters to get a foothold in the match.

They trailed 2-0 at the break thanks to two scorching goals from the hosts and they reinstated their superiority over Lavvy with three more before the final whistle.

Boss Lakeman, pictured, has tipped Hythe, judging on Tuesday night’s performance, to finish strongly.

“Hythe are a very strong, experienced and well organised side and one which I think will finish in the top four of the league.”

“These are the sides we need to test ourselves against but we fell short because we are a very young side who are very much growing and developing into what I hope will be a top team in the near future.

“The break has, like so many other teams, done us no favours as we now have a tough run of home games with two more of the top six sides in quick succession but we will have to deal with it.

“I hope the game has blown some cobwebs out as we looked like a side that hadn’t played for a few weeks.”

Laverstock, sitting comfortably in 11th place and with a hatful of games in hand upcoming, have three successive home games up next, starting with Petersfield Town on Saturday (3pm).

Tuesday sees them host Pewsey Vale before Amesbury Town visit the Dell for a derby showdown on Saturday, March 8 (3pm).

The Blues go to Pewsey Vale on Saturday (3pm).