LAVERSTOCK and Ford are experiencing a rough patch in Sydenhams Wessex Division One for the first time all season.

Lavvy were compounded to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Christchurch on Saturday - a third successive loss - which sees them remain outside of the top-two.

They stay in third place, two points behind Baffins Milton Rovers and seven points adrift of leaders Hamble Club, who also have two games in hand.

Two goals in the opening 30 minutes put pressure on the visitors.

Tom Mundy halved the deficit with a thunderous drive before the Hurn Bridge outfit extended their lead just before the break.

Archie Lovegrove volleyed in off the post on the hour mark, but that was as good as it got.

Disheartened joint bosses Liam McConnell and Robbie Lakeman said: "Needless to say it's been tough."

"The past two games have been purely disappointing by our standards, we just haven't performed when we needed to.

"We were a lot better and we could see the boys are getting back to how they have been playing.

"The confidence and belief is there but mistakes cost us.

"We have some work to do and, although the squad is small, we are starting to see some of those key players missing starting to come back from injury and suspension. Hopefully that will help us."

Lavvy look to bounce back when they host Alton on Saturday (3pm).