HIGH-RIDING Laverstock and Ford kept on the coat-tails of leaders Hamble after storming to a 4-1 win over Fleet Spurs on Tuesday night.

Lavvy came from behind to ensure they cemented second spot in Sydenhams Wessex Division One.

In what is a notoriously tough place to go, the visitors got off to the worst possible start, going behind on 13 minutes, after a slick move by the home side resulted in Sam Knowles scoring.

The goal, however, seemed to wake the visitors up and, despite controlling a lot of possession, they couldn’t find a way beyond a well-organised backline.

With skipper Phil Morgan absent, the latest centre-half pairing of Jamie Smith and Graham Mankin ensured they got their side back on level terms. Smith’s accurate free-kick was powered home by Mankin who rose highest to score his second in two games since returning from injury.

The second half proved to be a one-sided event. And within three minutes of the restart, the Jones brothers linked well before Adam teed up Joe Sanger to smash home.

Sanger then added a second on 77 minutes before grabbing a third to complete his second hat-trick of the season.

Co-manager Liam McConnell said: “We had bad memories of coming here last season, it’s never easy playing Fleet, midweek makes it tougher as the preparation and detail is stretched, yet we all pulled together to ensure we took three points away. The way we dictated 70 minutes of that game was impressive.

“Rob and I felt the second half was one of our most dominant performances so far. I’m pleased for Joe to grab his hat-trick, he’s worked tirelessly all season for us and, although at times his role doesn’t mean he can’t grab the headlines, he certainly deserves them now.”