Sydenhams Wessex League - Division 2. Whitchurch Utd 1 Blackfield & Langley 4

WHITCHURCH United, who are going through one of the most testing spells in their history, slipped to defeat on Saturday against a team that accompanied them down from Wessex Division 1 at the end of last season.

Already struggling to replace chairman Tony Chivers and treasurer Alison Thomas, who resigned earlier in the season, United were further rocked by the departure of long-serving secretary Jo Cozzi and first-team manager Jim Macey last week.

That left committee man Derek Hack holding the reins - far too many reins for his, or anyone's else's, comfort.

Under the temporary managerial pairing of players Jason Dinham and Dave Smalley, United made a bright start on a gloomy, misty Saturday afternoon at Longmeadow. They took the lead after just three minutes when a sleeping Blackfield defence allowed Chris Iddles to rise unchallenged, heading James Hemmings' pinpoint left-wing cross past Phil Kinally in the visitors' goal.

Blackfield struck back, and keeper Smalley was kept busy by the lively Neil Williams and Rob Morant. But Bryn Keech almost doubled United's lead when he ran on to Chris Wye's throw and swivelled beautifully only to fire into the side netting.

The second half started with Keech exchanging passes with Gregor Restell and drawing a fine save from Kinally. But Blackfield upped the pace, and United found they couldn't match their visitors' industry.

Steve Hartley equalised after 55 minutes with a free header from a right-wing cross, and five minutes later Blackfield edged in front when Morant slid in to meet Williams' low cross and beat Smalley at his near post.

After that Blackfield always looked the more likely to score again, and they did - twice. With six minutes to go Morant despatched a near-post header from a corner to make it 3-1, and he completed his hat-trick three minutes from time when Smalley could only deflect Lee Burch's shot into his path.

But this defeat couldn't disguise the fact that the worst of United's problems lie off the pitch, not on it.

Anyone interested in taking over the manager's post at Whitchurch, or in helping out behind the scenes, would be most welcome. Contact Derek Hack on 01256 896882 (evenings) for details.

Fawley 2, Whitchurch Utd 0

There was no relief for beleaguered United on Wednesday night when they travelled to lowly Fawley. Whitchurch created plenty of chances but couldn't take them, and a goal in each half settled the issue.

It was only Fawley's third league win of the season.

Whitchurch are on the road again on Saturday with a league match at Romsey Town.