ZAK Pickett has experienced the highs and the lows of football over the last two league games for Lymington Town.

Sent off for an over-zealous challenge in the 3-2 defeat at Sholing, he made ample amends on Saturday by sentencing Sydenhams Premier leaders Blackfield & Langley to their first defeat of the season.

It was an ex-Blackfield player, Manny Soetan, who plunged his old club into arrears at The Sports Ground, shooting through a crowded six-yard box after Ashley Jarvis had played him in.

Ex-Romsey Town defender Pickett then doubled Lymo’s lead, getting hold of a deep cross beyond the back stick and firing across 'keeper Brad Snelling into the opposite corner.

Once again Lymington found themselves down to ten men early in the second half with Charlie Willett getting his marching orders.

But, with Pickett outstanding and young goalkeeper Jordan Tewkesbury impressing on his debut, the Foresters held strong under pressure after B&L wideman Sam Griffin had pulled a goal back.

Lymington’s 2-1 success made it unlucky 13 for Blackfield who had won their opening 11 league games before drawing with Hamble Club.

“We’re delighted we won, but no more so than winning any other game,” said Lymo boss Dave Lewis.

“Zak didn’t have to repay the team or me, but it’s nice that he came back from a disappointing sending-off to be man-of-the-match and get the winning goal.

“We got Zak from Romsey and this is his first season with us. He’s been a fundamental part of what we’re doing.

“I thought Charlie Willett’s red card after 48 minutes was extremely harsh but, credit to our lads, we defended well and didn’t give Blackfield anything.

“But Blackfield are a good side. Everyone in the top-eight is good.”

Fourth-placed Lymington’s win was all the more impressive considering they lost top scorer Sam House to a groin injury ten minutes into the game.

“It’s been niggling Sam for a while and we’ll see what the prognosis is,” said Lewis. “We’ve got a New Forest derby at home to Bashley tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) and he won’t play in that, but we’ve got a good squad.”

*Hamble Club set off to Amesbury Town tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) sitting eighth in the table after a 6-2 Friday night win over Team Solent.

Hat-trick man Nick Watts was the star of the show, backed by Doug Rowe (2) and Mo Nyang. Silvano Obeng bagged both Solent goals.