RINGWOOD Town earned their first win since early November, beating Totton & Eling 2-1 at Long Lane, reports Andy Jones.

Goals from Joe Petty and Ryan Hamm gave Ringwood a much-needed three points, lifting them further away from the drop-zone in Wessex One.

Speaking after the game, Town manager Richard Morse stated: “I’m really pleased for all of us at the club and pleased for the result.

“All the team worked really hard all over the park, and it is good to see all the hard work over the last few weeks pay off like it did.”

Ringwood started the game brightly and carved out several early chances.

Captain Ben Harris and top scorer Harry Smith tested Ollie Eyres in the Totton goal within the first 10 minutes, before Hamm had a one-on-one well saved by the Millers keeper.

It would be the home side who took the lead as their early pressure paid off.

A lurking Petty on the edge of the box unleashed a well-hit strike which found the bottom left-hand corner, putting Ringwood 1-0 up after 25 minutes.

Shortly after the break, Town doubled their lead through Hamm. The Ringwood striker cut inside from the left, taking his shot from just inside the box.

The Millers kept huffing and puffing as the game went on, managing to pull one back with six minutes to go.

Joseph Steel was able to find the corner of the net after being left unmarked in the box, but the goal would only serve as consolation with Ringwood holding firm to record their first win of 2022 and secure a vital three points.

Aggrieved by the failure to keep a clean sheet, Morse added: “I felt we managed the game well after taking the lead, but they did have a little spell late on and I was a little bit disappointed we conceded.”