THE Sydenhams Wessex League summit meeting between table-toppers and title holders Winchester City and four-times champions Lymington & New Milton in 11 days time took on extra significance last night.

That's when Ian Robinson's Linnets' drew level with Winchester on 84 points at the top following their battling 2-1 victory over Brockenhurst after Neil Hards' City had slumped 3-1 at home to Andover earlier in the day.

"It was about grinding out a result tonight," admitted Linnets' assistant manager Richie Phippard. "It's the third time that we've had the chance to catch Winchester recently and now we've finally done it.

"Brockenhurst came here and they knocked us out of our stride and in fact I'd say we've played better than that and lost!

"But the three points were the most important thing."

Lymington moved ahead after 15 minutes, a Ben Thomson cross was flicked on by Michael Jackson for Mark Clothier to fire home.

They quickly added a second thanks to a right-footed finish by Kev James. Dave Midgeley pulled a goal back right on half-time.