LAVERSTOCK and Ford's Wessex League Division One promotion hopes were dealt a cruel blow as they lost 2-0 at the hands of local rivals Ringwood on Saturday at the Dell.

The opening 45 minutes was a quiet affair by the home sides standards and although at half time the score was 0-0.

Lavvy really should have been in front comfortably. First a deflected cross eluded Russ Jones by centimetres at the far post.

Adam Bourner was twice denied by the Ringwood custodian and Chae Sykes was also denied by the goalkeeper. At the other end, George Baxter had to be alert to deny a rare Ringwood attack.

The seconds half saw Laverstock come out in a more forceful manner knowing a goal was vital but despite constant pressure and possession the opening goal came on against the run of play in the 70th minute.

Baxter's save was first reacted to by the onrushing Ringwood forward who made no mistake.

With two goals required to maintain their promotion challenge, Laverstock went on the offensive, instantly Sykes was upended in the box but much to the surprise of both sets of players protests were waved away.

With no way past a dogged Ringwood defence, a hoof down field was not picked up and Ringwood killed off the game with three minutes left.

Joint manager Liam McConnell said: "The lads are shellshocked, reality has just hit them very hard!

"They knew at half time they should have been clear but we weren't yet the attitude to start the second half was the right one, but for the second game in succession we have switched off to a simple bit of pressure and we have paid for it.

"We seemed toothless in the second half, but the way we were undone was unacceptable. It's out of our hands now, we have four games to go and it's important we end on a high."

This starts at home to Hythe and Dibden on Saturday and then on Monday they are away at Romsey.