LAVERSTOCK and Ford edged a hard fought 2-1 win against New Milton side on Saturday.

The home side got off to the ideal start after five minutes when Tom Mundy's corner was headed down by Graham Mankin to Lewis Wykes who was able to spin and finish into the top corner.

After 21 minutes the away side found themselves level after a long ball wasn't dealt with it left Adam Louka alone to slot the ball home.

Minutes later Louka had a chance to give New Milton the lead but the impressive Baxter in goal denied him his second.

Lavvy's best move of the half gave Gallagher the chance to put his side ahead just before half time but Burgess in the New Milton goal was quick off his line to smother the ball.

The second half started as evenly as the first ended, before the home side grew into the game.

With Gallagher seeing his free-kick pushed on to the post and somehow cleared off the line before another Tom Mundy corner caused the damage Lavvy were looking for, Wykes again losing his marker to stoop in and head the ball home.

The remainder of the game became quite stretched with Laverstock looking dangerous with every attack, eventually the final whistle came to give Laverstock the three points and maintain their position at the top of the table.

Afterthe game co-managers Rob Lakeman and Liam McConnell said: "That was an important win after two below par performances.

"We spoke before the game about how we are there to be shot at and everyone in this league is capable of beating us if we are not at the top of our game. New Milton are typical of this and had we not competed like we did the scoreline could of been different.

"We defended better than we have in recent weeks and going forward we are always going to create chances. It was good for Lewis to get his two goals today but it was a real team performance."