LAVERSTOCK & Ford not only missed the chance to depose Hamble Club as Sydenhams One leaders last night – they got thumped in the process.

Lavvy’s quest for the title was dented by a 4-1 home drubbing at the hands of Shaftesbury.

Ex-Amesbury Town and Downton striker Danny Finnigan struck twice for the visitors, backed by singles from Lee Gale and sub Tyson Pollard.

Lavvy co-manager Liam McConnell blasted his side's performance, stating: "We were caught cold, it's as simple as that.

"We were not at the level we have come to expect from this team and for the majority of the game we let ourselves down.

"We showed we could dominate possession and create chances by increasing our work-rate and performance, but doing it so infrequently in a game against a team who are clearly up for the challenge is not enough."

It was Laverstock's first taste of action since beating Folland Sports 1-0 on December 17.

"The break of almost three weeks hasn't helped us, but we can't use that as an excuse," McConnell insisted. "The players are aware of what needs to be done and we will get the response we deserve."

The defeat left Lavvy static in second, a point behind top dogs Hamble Club who have two games in hand.

The Wiltshire outfit have no game this weekend but return to action on Tuesday night for their rearranged derby at Downton.

Hamble Club are due to visit Tadley Calleva on Saturday.