Fareham boost chances of a first top five Wessex League finish for 17 years

Fareham's Luke Slade in action during the win against Lymington. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

It was a victory which raises hopes of the club’s first Wessex top five finish since 2003 and only the second in their 22-year Wessex history.

The Reds had Luke Douglas returning in goal for his 250th league appearance.

Despite having the wind at their backs, they couldn't find a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes.

Fareham's Gary Austin fires in a shot during the win against Lymington. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Playing into the elements suited Fareham better and six minutes after the restart Gary Austin put them ahead.

Archie Wilcox laid the ball back and Austin scored with a cracking first-time shot.

Lymington were reduced to ten men following a second bookable offence for Ronan Moore - after already being cautioned, he booted the ball out of the ground in anger - and the Reds soon took advantage.

Substitute Luke Slade latched onto a defender's back header and neatly fired the ball through the keeper's legs.

Fareham celebrate one of their three goals against Lymington. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

On 69 minutes the win was sealed with Curt Robbins celebrating his 100th league start in the best possible fashion.

Will Harris nodded a corner on and Robbins got the slightest of touches to seal Fareham’s eighth home league win in 12 attempts.

Fifth-placed Lymington grabbed a late consolation as Fareham narrowed the gap on the Dorset club to four points and with three games in hand.

The Reds will leap into the top six if they can win at Tadley on Tuesday.