PROLIFIC frontman Joe Wood fired Verwood Town to three precious points in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Alresford Town.

Wood’s ninth goal in 14 appearances for the Potters handed new boss Alan Lay a five-point cushion over the Wessex League Premier Division’s bottom two.

Bournemouth Poppies remain stuck among the early strugglers following a 3-0 home reverse to Newport (IOW). Port’s Joe Butcher, Jimmi Burton and Josh Maloney plundered the goals.

Local rivals Hamworthy United did their neighbours a favour by winning 2-1 at Folland Sports. Sam Bayston and Billy Walker scored.

Nick Magee and Zac Mouland bagged two goals apiece as Lymington Town trumped high-flying Sholing 4-2 at the Sports Ground.

Elliott Peck was the toast of Long Lane with four goals in Ringwood Town’s 8-2 annihilation of East Cowes Vics.

Charlie Heggan, Matt Steer, Tom Faulkner and Matt Finlay were the other scorers as Charlie Pierson’s men climbed three places to fifth in Wessex One.

Ollie Cherrett claimed his first win as Christchurch manager at the second attempt, presiding over a 4-1 success at Andover New Street.

Will Gage, Elliot Goward, Luke Stone and Matt Swindlehurst netted as Priory leapfrogged their opponents into 10th.

New Milton Town remain second bottom of the pile after a 5-0 defeat at United Services Portsmouth.