AFC Totton must take a leaf out Lymington & New Milton's book after losing the Jewson Wessex League's last unbeaten record 1-0 at Thatcham Town last night.

The Linnets suffered the same fate at Gosport Borough last Saturday, but hit back with a vengeance to cane bottom club Whitchurch United 10-0 at Fawcett's Field and leapfrog Eastleigh into top spot.

Whitchurch were torn to shreds by Leigh Phillips (4), Lee Bradford (2), Kevin Gill, Anthony Tilley, Mark Turner and own goal and Linnets boss Graham Kemp reflected: "We went back to basics by getting the ball down and passing it, which we hadn't been doing of late.

"I could see a defeat coming and I think that losing to Gosport and Winchester City (Russell Cotes Cup) taught us a lesson.

"It's hard to keep an unbeaten run going and Totton deserve credit for lasting as long as they did. It's how you bounce back from defeat that matters and my boys certainly didn't let it faze them."

Totton came unstuck to a first-half goal from Stan Howard at Waterside Park and choked manager Ian Robinson admitted: "I feel pretty deflated.

"We missed two decent chances from corners through Martin Whiddett, but then Thatcham shut us down and worked hard to get the result.

"When you're unbeaten, every game is like a cup tie."

To make matters worse for sixth-placed Totton, Richie Hurst, Dylan Pearson and Scott Bundy all picked up hamstring problems, making them doubtful for Saturday's FA Vase trek to St Blazey.

Brockenhurst were held 2-2 at home by Downton in the second round, first leg of the JWL Cup. James Bailey-Pearce and Luke Goram hit the target for the Foresters, while Downton were indebted to Russell James and a Jason Stride own goal.