LYMINGTON and New Milton avoided the humiliation suffered by title rivals Winchester City at the weekend as they recorded a comfortable 2-0 triumph at Downton.

The champions were surprisingly sunk 4-3 at Wick Lane on Saturday but with the result fresh in their minds, a watchful Linnets eased to victory thanks to a Trefor Smith strike and a Ben Thomson penalty.

And the result was enhanced further with the news Winchester had dropped points again, in a 2-2 draw at Totton, as Ian Robinson's men moved to within six points of City at the top with games in hand.

Smith was quickest to react to a centre from Thomson to tuck the ball beyond the Downton goalkeeper on the quarter-hour.

And Pete Smith then embarked on a trademark rampage down the left, beating four men before being brought down in the box. Thomson slammed home the spot-kick.

Linnets assistant manager Richie Phippard said: "They came at us all guns blazing but we always had that bit of extra quality and these are the points you have to pick up if you are going to challenge for the title."

Linnets: Watson, Carter, Powell, Towler, P Smith (Crook 60), Reacord, T Smith, C Smith, K James, Clothier (Curtis 75), Thomson (Chawal 80).

Brockenhurst continued their mini-revival as they produced a fine 2-1 victory over Hamworthy United at Grigg Lane.

Darren Orchard fired Hammers into a first-half lead but Brock hit back in the second period.

James Guetling headed them level from a corner five minutes after the break with Dave Midgley bagging the winner on the hour.

Brock: Brunnschweiler, Grace, Woodward, G Kemp, Hillyer, White, Manning (Cox 70), N Kemp, Midgley, Wright, Guetling. Unused subs: Foster, Juryeff.

Hammers: Hutchins, Wilson, Gill, Edwards, Blythe, Williams, Tilley, Critchell (Baguley 70), Middleton, Orchard (Johnson 75), Lucas.