LAVERSTOCK and Ford kept themselves very much in the Wessex League Division One promotion hunt after a 2-1 win at Whitchurch, in one of only three games in the division to survive the weather.

Both sides had early chances as the each goalkeeper was tested.

With the pitch in a terrible state Laverstock still persisted in their free flowing style and it was excellent work that led to Chae Sykes putting across a pin point cross for Russell Jones but with the goal at his mercy, the forward delayed his shot and with the clearance a long ball led to Whitchurch's opening goal on 32 minutes from Phil Bernstern.

However the lead did not last long as two minutes later a corner was not cleared and Olly Hoare was on hand to volley in the equaliser.

Hoare then nearly put his side ahead on the stroke of half time, his header was brilliantly blocked by the home goalkeeper as it stayed 1-1.

After the break, a more determined Whitchurch come out of the blocks, a lot of pressure was put on Lavvy's back line but they handled the pressure well.

Whitchurch were limited to long range efforts, George Baxter in the Laverstock goal was equal to everything. Jones and Danny Finnigan went close for Laverstock, but neither side could find a winner.

Until on 74 minutes, Sykes was upended in the box and Adam Bourner coolly slotted home from the spot to put Lavvy infront.

With pressure building, Whitchurch looked threatening but were unable to break through the visitors backline and it was Lavvy who took home the points.

Joint managers Liam McConnell and Rob Lakeman said afterwards, "Playing on a surface like that levels things up which gave Whitchurch real optimism. They worked tirelessly but our boys were just as determined.

"We had no intention of dropping points today, after the disappointment of not winning last week, the lads were dead set on getting over the line today.

"Credit goes to the back line today, we were tested in that second half, in those conditions, up the slope, long ball after long ball into the box, between big George (Baxter) and the back four they were superb in how they soaked it all up."