Sixth-placed Lymington & New Milton scored all five goals in their 4-1 victory over Cowes Sports at Fawcetts Field.
Michael Jackson nodded in a Darren Crook cross to give the Linnets a fourth minute lead that Paul Towler doubled on the half hour after the Islanders hadn't cleared the ball properly.
A bizarre own goal by Darren Powell gave Cowes some hope but that was extinguished when Kevin James netted from the penalty spot after Crook had been hauled down and Towler headed a fourth from Carter's free-kick.
"That keeps us in touch at the top and it was good win as Cowes can be a bogey side for us - they were the last team to beat us in the league back in September," said Linnets boss Ian Robinson.
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