RICHIE Coxall praised “a really good performance” by his Fawley AFC side after they had burst Horndean’s bubble 1-0 at Long Lane.

Having taken the scalps of Winchester City, Follands and Moneyfields in recent weeks, the Deans must have fancied themselves for a full house of Sydenhams Premier points against an Oilers side who, as co-boss Coxall confessed, have been “inconsistent to say the least” of late.

But they had not reckoned on the sheer tenacity of Fawley, who refused to let their visitors settle and won the game midway through the first half when Charlie Willett’s corner ricocheted around the area before 18-year-old Dylan Knight volleyed the loose ball in from close range.

“We hadn’t been at our best by any stretch of the imagination against Whitchurch the week before (a 5-2 home defeat) and we were looking for a response more than anything,” said Coxall.

“The pleasing thing was we had good feedback afterwards from the Horndean committee and even their captain said we thoroughly deserved it. He said we were all over them like a rash and didn’t give them time to settle.”

Fawley, who welcomed back midfielder Lewis Ross on a break from his university studies, are up to 15th ahead of a tough festive schedule which pits them against Bemerton Heath Harlequins (December 20, away), Blackfield & Langley (December 27, home) and Petersfield Town (January 3, away).

“The games are coming up thick and fast,” said Coxall. “Realistically we’re not going to compete with the top sides and there are no easy games, but I’d be happy if we pick up our fair share of points against the sides around us.

“Beating Horndean was really important for us given the games we’ve got coming up.”