LAVERSTOCK & Ford continued to maintain their hunt for a Wessex One play-off finish after dispatching Whitchurch 3-1 away from home.

Lavvy went in behind after Whitchurch captain Declan Shuttleworth opened scores just before the break, but a sublime Lewis Wakeford strike quickly restored parity shortly after the interval.

Jim Ward was then at the double to ensure Lavvy’s dominance was reflected on the final scoreline.

Manager Liam McConnell told JournalSport: "We looked dominant with the ball all afternoon, but we struggled to conjure up anything of substance in that first half, perhaps if anything doing a little too much.

“We knew Whitchurch would have a strong presence at home, but we dealt with their threats well.”

Despite dominating possession and creating several half chances, the visitors could not find the target or trouble the home keeper in the first-half.

Instead, it was the home side who opened the scores on the counter.

Whitchurch captain Shuttleworth broke down the left, evading a tackle before firing past debutant Lavvy keeper Matty Taylor to give his side the lead.

After the restart, Lavvy were on the front foot looking to get back on level terms, quickly finding an equaliser. Russ Jones fashioned in left-back Wakeford, who cut in on his right before curling the ball into the top corner from 22 yards.

“A gentle wake-up call at half-time and a tweak here and there allowed us to have more space in the final third and it paid,” added McConnell.

“Whacky's (Wakeford's) goal was superb, we never see him swing his right, maybe he should more often!”

Jones again was at the heart of everything, setting up both of Ward’s goals, giving Lavvy the cushion they needed.

“Jim Ward took his goals superbly. He's had a stop-start season, but was beaming after that match winning performance and rightly so.

“Russ Jones also deserves praise, setting up all three goals he's normally the one taking chances but he was excellent.

“That's eight wins on the bounce, we have to keep going. Let's see where we end up."

Laverstock continued their winning run with a 4-2 win over Ringwood Town on Tuesday.