Gosport manager Mick Marsh was back in his Privett Park dug-out for the first time in three months after his three-month lay off.

But nothing much has changed - Neil Scammell was on the scoresheet for the 27th time this season as Borough maintained the pressure on Wessex League leaders Eastleigh.

Perry Holland opened the scoring from a direct free kick but Scammell's far-post header proved to be the winner as Rob Ackroyd set up a tense finish by halving the deficit with a low drive late on.

Those frantic last 12 minutes would not have done Marsh's blood pressure much good but the Gosport boss is delighted to be back, having been laid off since mid October before his return at Alton Town two weeks ago.

Scammell's 27th goal in 30 games this season, ensured an 11th win in 12 games for Borough and Marsh said: "Assistant manager Gary Lee and coach Hughie Doyle have done a fantastic job while I've been away and it's great to come back with us doing so well."

"I love this place and now I feel like my old self again.

"I didn't miss it for the first couple of weeks because I was struggling with my health so much but I was soon back at the ground to watch.

"Once it's in your blood it stays there, I was always going to come back."

Scammell had a 20 yard strike deflected wide by Hamble's Southampton-based defender Terry Samways and headed wide a Holland cross either side of the left winger's brilliant 35th minute strike.

Veteran Samways was cautioned for kicking the ball away after giving away a free kick and Holland bent the resulting 25 yard dead ball into the top right corner - his fourth goal of the season.

Musslewhite provided Hamble's biggest threat but Danny Sturman had a low drive cleared off the line 60 seconds in to the second half.

And after heading over a cross from strike partner Steve Watt, Scammell made no mistake from six yards after rising above Nicky Clark to meet captain Stuart Hensman's cross.

On any other day young substitute Graham Lindsay might have finished with a hat trick after replacing Watt, who made his fourth appearance since following Geoff Sim from Newbury.

After missing out on two close range headers 18-goal Lindsey had a six yard snap shot tipped over by Peter Harris with three minutes left.

"We've got three of the best strikers in the league but it's hard to keep them all happy," said Marsh, who breathed a sigh of relief after watching Sim pull off a brilliant save deep into injury time.

He added: "Hamble were just what we expected, they made it very difficult for us.

"All we can do is keep picking up points.

"Who knows, Eastleigh might make drop some points."

Marsh was without long serving defender Mark Tryon but Larry Clay had to do without the suspended Paul Miles, the injured Nicky Clark, the flu ridden Neil Ward and Jamie Hill, who pulled out due to sickness on the morning of the game.

He said: "Gosport are a very good side. They deserve to be where they are and deserved to win but we showed how far that we've come this season and can now cope with having a lot of players out.

"We've got real strength in depth now and are getting closer to being a good side, it's nice to come to places like this and compete. We had them rattled after the goal and I wouldn't have been surprised if we'd got an equaliser."

GOSPORT BRO 2 - HAMBLE ASSC 1