ALRESFORD Town introduced three new signings as they threw themselves a Sydenhams Premier Division lifeline with a 2-1 victory over high-riding Horndean.

It was only the third league win of the season for the 20th-place Magpies, hoisting them to within two points of third-to-bottom Fawley with two games in hand.

In goal for Alresford was the versatile Ben Kneller who, as an outfield player, was a prominent member of the side that won promotion to the Sydenhams Premier Division in 2007.

Joining him in the new-look line-up were midfielder Gary Fulker and centre-back Iain Calder, both experienced Wessex campaigners.

Neither side had played since mid-December, but Alresford tore straight into their opponents and led on 11 minutes when, following good work by Rian Jima-Otero and John Howard, Tom Donaldson cut in and bounced a shot across visiting keeper Del Harding which went in at the far post.

The Mapgies had trained hard during the weather-enforced break and their sharpness showed again on the half-hour when Howard controlled Craig Bryant long ball on his chest, rounded his marker and fired under the diving Harding.

Horndean raised their game in the second half, giving Kneller plenty to do, but they had a lucky escape on 50 minutes when Dan Hayes floored John Mulhern as he surged into the box. Hayes walked for a second bookable offence, but Mulhern’s spot-kick hit the post and was hacked to safety.

Alresford’s numerical advantage didn’t last long with influential midfielder Simon Everett shown a second yellow on the hour following a tackle on Deans sub Robbie Tambling.

Kneller miraculously saved twice with his legs and Jima-Otera got back to make a crucial goalline clearance before the Deans halved the deficit with an 82nd-minute Nathan Kirby penalty, awarded when Calder – ailing with a knee injury - handled Josh Maloney’s cross.

A tense finale ensued, but Alresford held on to bank three vital points and kick-start their fight against relegation.

Fawley will be nervously looking over their shoulders after losing Saturday's basement battle 2-0 at Whitchurch United. Scott Hassell and Aaron Jarvis struck second-half goals for the Jam Boys.