AFTER all their recent problems, Fawley AFC received a welcome double boost on Saturday.

Not only was the visit of Cowes Sports one of only three Sydenhams Premier fixtures to survive the overnight deep freeze, but the Oilers banked three big points in a 3-1 win to boost their top-flight survival hopes.

Once again it was an early kick-off at Long Lane due to floodlight issues associated with the closure of the Waterside Sports & Social Club.

And no sooner had the game got underway at 1.30pm than Fawley were in front.

With just three minutes on the clock, Cowes were punished for a mistake inside their own area and Kieran Roche was on hand to tuck the ball away.

Fawley’s other goals came from central defenders Callum Chugg and Aaron Lucas who buried headers from corners in the 41st and 64th minutes.

The Isle of Wight visitors had the last word through James Wykes, but it wasn’t enough to ward off a Fawley victory that leaves the two clubs tied together on 25 points, four clear of the drop zone – albeit that the 18th-placed Oilers have played three games more.

Wykes’ goal wrecked Fawley keeper Lee Burch’s hopes of a clean sheet, but the former AFC Totton head coach was just pleased to see the Oilers' hard work pay dividends.

He said: “I think a lot of people thought the game would be off.

“The pitch was a bit hard to start with, but it thawed out really quickly and actually got quite soft in the middle, leading to lots of mistakes.

“We just worked really hard to get in their faces and played football when we could and we made sure that if any mistakes were made, we capitalised.”

Although the Oilers still have lots of hard work to do to protect their Premier Division status, Burch says the team are enjoying the fight.

“Cowes are down there with us, so this was a massive game,” he said.

“The fact we’re playing for something every week rather than just being mid-table and not going anywhere makes it more of a challenge.

“I haven’t been personally involved in a relegation battle for a long time and it gives you a double boost if you get a result and someone else around you slips up.

“Apart from defeats against Blackfield and Team Solent, two strong teams, we’ve been in good form of late.

“We’ve gone three without losing and have only conceded once in each of those games.

“I feel we’ve turned a bit of a corner.”

Next up for the Oilers is another crucial basement battle at home to 19th-placed Bournemouth Poppies this Saturday (January 28).