FIT-AGAIN Rob Gallagher marked his return from a long injury with a winning strike to send Laverstock and Ford soaring back to the top of Sydenhams Wessex Division One.

The attacker volleyed home the winner shortly after the hour mark to record a 1-0 victory over lowly Folland Sports at The Dell on Saturday.

The winner means Lavvy will be perched at the top on Christmas Day as nearest-challengers Hamble Club were wiped out by a sickness bug, meaning their game with US Portsmouth was postponed.

Laverstock started brightest and it was Russ Jones who burst through the defence only to lose control just before getting his shot off.

After the restart, Russell Jones was denied by a superb save before Graham Mankin was thwarted.

Lavvy pushed for a winner, which arrived on 62 minutes.

Gallagher, back in the side after a long-term injury, met Adam Jones' corner with intent and rifled the ball into the corner.

Lavvy's joint managers Liam McConnell and Robbie Lakeman said: "In terms of spirit, that was one of the best displays of the season.

"We've had a rough time of it lately, we've done everything but score goals at times and the lads were all fantastic today. Their effort and dedication to keep going was superb.

"We were denied so many times but for Gally to return to the side and grab the winner gives him the headlines. He's a big game player, and he proved that!"

Elsewhere, Downton slipped to 12th after a 2-0 defeat at Christchurch.