LAVERSTOCK and Ford slipped up in the race for second spot in Sydenhams Division One after a cruel 3-1 defeat at Baffins Milton Rovers.

The crunch showdown started well for Lavvy as they took the lead shortly before the half hour mark.

Russ Jones was fouled in the box and Rob Gallagher duly dispatched the resulting spot kick.

Lavvy thought they should have had a second penalty when striker James Clifton was pulled back in the box, but the referee waved away the protests - a decision which left the management staff furious.

Thirteen minutes into the second half and the hosts were level through Tyler Moret.

And as Baffins' pressure mounted, Lavvy succumbed on 88 minutes when a looping cross was spilled by Alexis Ageur and Callum Glen pounced.

Moments later, the three points were secured when Ryan Pennery fired home.

Lavvy joint managers Liam McConnell and Robbie Lakeman were left reeling.

"We didn't deserve that but, unfortunately, we had no luck whatsoever.

"Two big moments changed the result for us, the goalkeeper has pulled James Clifton preventing a goal.

"The lads knew Baffins would come at them hard in the second half and we defended superbly, Alexis is devastated over their winner."

Lavvy remain in third spot, three points behind Baffins, who have a game in hand. Hamble Club are currently top.

Lavvy travel to Weymouth Reserves, who beat Downton 3-2, on Saturday (3pm).