LAVERSTOCK & Ford maintained their unbeaten home record with a 13th win in on the trot at the Dell after beating promotion rivals US Portsmouth 2-0.

Second half goals in a six-minute spell from Adam Jones and James Clifton put Lavvy to within four points of Pompey in Sydenhams Wessex Division One.

In a few half chances, Rob Gallagher nearly set the Dell alight with his audacious overhead kick which was saved smartly just before half time.

Both sides were roaring to conjure up the opener in the second 45 minutes and Adam Jones, set up by brother Russ, was denied by the offside flag.

The siblings' second effort came to fruition soon after as a similar counter attack on 68 minutes resulted in the opening goal. A defensive clearance broke into the path of Archie Lovegrove who sent Russ chasing down the wing. He provided the cross for Adam to thump home.

With the visitors keen to get back into the game, their hopes were scuppered when substitute Clifton's looping cross ricocheted in off the upright.

Joint managers Robbie Lakeman and Liam McConnell told JournalSport: "That was a big performance, considering the conditions and it was some of the best football we have played.

"All the lads were superb."

The managers gave a debut to new signing Harry Hale, from Salisbury FC.

"Harry has been impressive in training. He's already a big presence with the lads, he gave us a fantastic debut and is a great addition to this side," they added.