LEADERS Tadley Calleva picked up a flattering four-goal win which condemned ten-man Laverstock and Ford to a second straight defeat.

Tadley, riding at the summit of Wessex Division One, demonstrated why they are top with a superior goal difference in the early stages at Barlows Park.

They went ahead inside eight minutes when a fumble by Lee Newman-Judd in the Laverstock goal was prodded home by the grateful Ben Wickens. Both teams then cancelled each other out for the majority of the half with very few chances created at either end.

Laverstock grew in confidence as the half progressed and Kane O’Keefe ended a fine move from the away side only to see his rasping drive tipped onto the bar by the Tadley shotstopper.

The second half proved to be far more eventful. Laverstock pressed from the start as they looked to get back into the game, causing the Tadley defence problems.

However, the home side managed to increase their lead against the run of play when they managed to pinch the ball in midfield and, after a cross was touched on by Scott Kinge at the back post, he tapped in from what appeared an offside position.

Laverstock again lost possession in the midfield and Tadley capitalised by outnumbering the Laverstock defence and Brett Denham finished past the helpless Newman-Judd. Tadley topped off their fortunate day when Denham struck again for his side’s fourth.

And Lavvy’s day went from bad to worse when Rob Gallagher was penalised for a second bookable offence and was consequently sent off.

Boss Robbie Lakeman said: “It sounds like sour grapes but I have to say that the officials on the day just weren't good and were culpable for three of their goals.

“On the last three occasions we have played Tadley we have been unlucky with the officials’ decisions and when they play at home I think they do a good job of intimidating them which most referees at this level just can't handle.

“All that said, the disappointment from our point of view is how we react to decisions or situations going against us and that let’s us down week after week.

“We need to find some steel from within the side that picks us up when things go wrong because at the moment we are soft-centred and when we know things aren't going well you can physically see that we are a beaten side. If that continues we will never be anywhere near the side we could or should be and will remain a midtable side at best.

“We have some huge games coming up in the context of our season and I am happy with the size and quality of the squad we have going into those games. We need to get some confidence and belief back to ensure we put in the performances and get results which we all know we are capable of.”