AMESBURY Town have appointed a new, young boss following Jim Macey’s acrimonious departure from Bonnymead Park.

Defender Adam Pearson, 26, will double up as player/manager for the remainder of the Sydenhams Premier Division campaign.

The former Whitchurch United and Bashley centre-half had a brief spell with AFC Totton at the start of this season.

Pearson, who will be assisted at Amesbury by Dan Stead, said: “Having wanted to develop a managerial career at the culmination of my playing days, the opportunity to do so at an advanced stage – and for a club like Amesbury, is a fantastic opportunity.”

Club chairman Steve Pearce added: “In making the choice to appoint Adam we believe, considering his experience, aptitude and existing links with the club and local football community, that we have chosen the right candidate to take the club forward through the final third of this season.

“The entire club will work with Adam to help ensure that this period is a success, as well as helping build a strong platform for the 2017/18 season and from there onwards."

Although Amesbury are in a relatively comfortable mid-table position, their recent form is poor, having won just one of their last 12 games.

They were well beaten 4-1 at second-placed Blackfield & Langley on Saturday and face another tough challenge at third-placed Portland United this weekend.

Although Paul Coventry wiped out Luke Winsper’s Blackfield opener, the Watersiders powered on to victory through Jamie White, Harrison Fay and debutant Tom Hill.

Blackfield's next assignment is a trip to sixth-placed Team Solent this Saturday.

Team Solent (Tobi Adekunle, Jamel Wiseman) drew 2-2 at relegation-battling Whitchurch United (Craig Smith, Dave Reading) at the weekend. James Taylor's Students are back in league action at Portland on Wednesday (7.45pm).

FAREHAM Town’s dramatic transformation under Pete Stiles continues.

Not so long ago, the Reds were bottom of the Sydenhams Premier pile.

But since Stiles’ appointment they have gone five games unbeaten, hoisting them five points clear of the drop zone.

Not only did Fareham win on Saturday, they won in style, sinking Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-0 at Cams Alders.

Simon Woods got the first following outstanding work by teenage defender Jack Barker, and Town doubled that advantage with a Curtis Robbins header from a corner.

Five minutes from time Woods struck again to cap a perfect afternoon for the Creeksiders.

“Although we are by no means safe, it is looking a lot better,” smiled Stiles.

Next up for the Reds is a basement clash at home to Whitchurch United on Saturday.

COWES Sports still have much work to do to preserve their Wessex top-flight status following a 7-1 caning at Hamworthy United.

Hammers’ hat-trick hero Mark Ford - formerly of Weymouth, Salisbury and Blackfield & Langley - inflicted the bulk of the damage, backed by Steve Smith (2), Edgar Zanin and an own goal.

BOURNEMOUTH Poppies are three points clear of Cowes in 18th following a 1-1 draw at Newport IoW.

Jared Wetherick's 31st-minute goal for the Islanders was wiped out by Dave Ewen’s header from a corner with 14 minutes to go.

Poppies survived the last ten minutes a man short after having Ryan Reeves red-carded.

*ANDOVER Town goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas was sent off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Horndean.

Thomas received a straight red late in the game for bringing down sub Connor Duffin on a clear run at goal.

McCaulie Stubbs took over between the sticks and, despite some anxious moments during seven added minutes, ten-man Andover held on for a share of the Sydenhams Premier points.

Glenn Burnett’s side took a tenth-minute lead when Liam Gilbert’s free-kick was dropped by keeper Tom Price and Adam Grange nipped in to touch the loose ball over the line.

The Deans equalised on 67 minutes when Ian Humble scrambled the ball in following a corner.