LAVERSTOCK and Ford’s excellent six-match unbeaten streak came to a brisk halt at the hands of high-flying New Milton following a 3-0 defeat.

Hopes of stretching that run, in all-competitions, were dashed in blustery conditions.

The visitors, who have skipped away from the relegation zone with a clutch of fine results in recent weeks, were restricted to long range efforts and set-pieces but failed to make the half chances count.

New Milton, down the other end, were making Lee Newman-Judd work with every attack, again the Laverstock keeper was in good form.

Despite all their dominance, it was a fortuitous opening goal which gave the home side a half time lead.

A weak low cross from the left hand side eluded everyone before bouncing in off visiting defender Will Cranmer's shin.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Laverstock take the game to New Milton, feeling the benefit of the windy conditions.

Rob Gallagher had a rasping drive saved by the New Milton keeper, who was thankful that it was straight at him. Tom Mundy and Ollie Batchelor also tested the home side’s defensive resolve, which they stood up to well.

But Laverstock were caught again as man of the match Sam Bayston found himself in the clear following a missed clearance from the Laverstock defence and, when his cross deflected over the helpless Newman-Judd, it just left forward Morgan Turner an easy header on the goal line.

Laverstock, stretched again at the back, conceded a third from home substitute Rob Teppett.

Boss Robbie Lakeman, pictured, said: “We are all very disappointed with the result we felt on another day we could have won.”

“They are a hard side to play against at home and basically handed them a two-goal lead which you can't do against any side in this league, and the second goal against the run of play really took the momentum out of our game.

“That said, we were the better side for long periods in the second half and with a bit of luck in front of goal we could have easily got on level terms.”

Laverstock have no match on Saturday and return on January 24 to current Wessex Division One leaders Tadley Calleva, a clash Lakeman is not underestimating.

“We have a break on Saturday before a tough trip away to top-ofthe- table Tadley, so that will give us a break after a long run of games and a chance to get a few faces back in the squad who have been missing through injury and work commitments,”

he added.