‘This should do us the world of good’ – Baffins Milton return to winning ways in the Wessex League against Bournemouth Poppies

Manager Shaun Wilkinson was happy after his side ended their run of eight league and cup games without a win – during which they suffered seven losses.

'It is not that we have been playing badly but it is nice to get a win again,' he remarked after Baffins’ first league win since September 12.

'You could see as soon as our first goal went in it was like the weight of the world had been lifted off the players' shoulders.

'Bournemouth came to just sit in and try to frustrate us.

'We dominated possession all game and the final scoreline flattered them

'It was also great to get a clean sheet which is our first since the opening day.

'I am not going to get too carried away but this win should do us the world of good.'

With keeper Charlie Searle ruled out by injury and previous deputies drafted in to help out unavailable, Rovers gave a debut to Ellis Grant.

Grant had a short spell at Moneyfields last season and played against Baffins for Hamble back in early September.

The goalkeeper can be more than pleased with his performance, having made two good saves in the opening 45 minutes to ensure the scores were level at half time.

Rovers started well against the wind and rain and Josh Warren was only denied when keeper Sam Jones somehow clawed his header away.

Top scorer Tommy Scutt was then denied by a fine save from Jones, before Callum Dart sent a curling effort narrowly over the bar.

Billy Connor exchanged passes on the right with Scutt, with the latter driving an effort over the top, before Miles Everett also shot over.

Rovers were almost caught out by a quick throw with the ball worked to Lewis Chambers whose angled effort was saved by Grant at his near post.

Just before the break Jack Kinge-Phillips saw his free kick turned away by Grant.

Baffins started the second period with thewind behind them and within four minutes they took the lead when the ball was worked wide to Connor and his low cross was slid home by Warren.

Five minutes later and the advantage was doubled after Jamie White and Everrett combined.

The latter laid the ball through for Scutt, who turned inside before firing home.

Late in the game Zak Sharp combined with Scutt, who could only lift his effort into the chest of the advancing Jones.

The returning Blu Boam had the last word when he converted a cross from fellow sub Dale Mason.

'Blu was one of the originals in setting up the club and is only a couple of goals away from being the club's record scorer,' said Wilkinson.

'He has had a bit of a back problem and, though not fully fit, was keen to come and help out.

'You always know what you are going to get from him - an excellent work rate, good in the air, great ability and knows how to score.'

Baffins travel to Moneyfields for a friendly at Dover Road on Monday (7.30pm), Admission is free.

Moneys were inactive at the weekend as scheduled Southern League opponents Sholing were engaged in FA Cup action.

Dave Carter’s side were due to return to league action at Slimbridge this Wednesday, but that has also been postponed.

Council roadworks have left the Gloucestershire club unable to access their ground, with the game rescheduled for December 9.

Baffins Milton Rovers: Grant, Sharp, Miller, Williamson, Warren, Peake, Scutt, Connor, White, Dart, Everrett. Subs: Mason, Onwuachu, Watts, Dean, Boam.