NEW signing Rory Anderson made a solid start in goal for Brockenhurst as they returned to winning ways with a dramatic 2-1 win over Alresford at Grigg Lane.

But it was Anderson’s opposite number, Jarid Hixon, who had the busier time of it and, but for his breathtaking saves, Brock boss Pat McManus reckons the third-placed Badgers – level on points with leaders Moneyfields and Petersfield - would have won by more.

“Rory did everything I expected him to but, in all honesty, he didn’t have a great deal to do,” said McManus. “Alresford’s keeper was outstanding.

“Our subs were out of the seats on two or three occasions and they weren’t bad finishes by us, they were brilliant saves by Hixon.”

After a goalless first half Brock were caught cold when, with Brad Magookin struggling with an Achilles problem, Jack Hoey raced through to beat ex-Sholing ’keeper Anderson one-on-one.

But two goals in five minutes swung the pendulum the hosts’ way with Mark Barker teeing up Tom Hill to equalise before Joe Chamberlain headed in Will Tickle’s corner to end a run of four league and cup defeats for the Foresters.

There was controversy at the death when Alresford had a last-gasp equaliser disallowed.

Hixon launched the ball into the Brock box, it bounced and, instead of pushing it over, Anderson tried to catch it.

It popped out of his hands under pressure from Magpies’ Liam Magee, who subsequently headed it in.

“The linesman didn’t give anything but the referee disallowed it for a push on Rory,” McManus explained.

“I saw the push from where I was.

“I’m not saying Magee pushed him over, but his hands went out.

“Alresford went mad, but some decisions go for you and some against.

“The important thing for us was getting back to winning ways.”

Brock, who also lost Danny Cox (hamstring) and Hill (ankle) to injury, have lodged notice of approach for Hythe & Dibden full-back Jon Brock.