HAMBLE ASSC are hanging onto their Division 1 status by the skin of their teeth after turning in their "best performance of the season" with a 2-0 victory at Christchurch.

"That was our best performance since Jimmy (Ball) and myself came here and it keeps us in with a fighting chance.

"Portland have two away games left that both involve a lot of travelling," said Planemakers boss Danny Bowers.

On 50 minutes, Dean Wheeler volleyed home from 10 yards following a Trevor Cox corner before Adam George found Mark Draycott who crossed for Richie Morse to slot in the second after 75 minutes.

To complete a 'great escape', Bowers' men must win their final game of the season at Bemerton on April 30.

And they must also hope that Portland - who drew 0-0 with Gosport on Saturday - lose their last two matches at Cowes (April 23) and Fareham (April 30).

However, Downton's 12-year stay in the top flight is over after they were beaten 4-1 at Hamworthy United.

Centre-back John Waldock gave the home side the lead before Kevin Thick threw the Robins a second half lifeline which was quickly severed by Darren Orchard, Steve Legg and Hamworthy's youngest ever goalscorer - 16-year-old Rob Webb.

VTFC twice came from behind before beating Brockenhurst 3-2 at their Portsmouth Road home.

Strikes by Nick Kemp and Carl Foster - his first for the club - gave the Badgers an interval lead before Kevin Gibbens levelled matters for the second time and Steve Wheatland popped up to give the Boatmen victory.

A 41st-minute goal by Anthony Alleyne secured Newbury a 1-0 home verdict against Cowes.

Another first half effort by Scott Bundy was enough to clinch Totton a 1-0 success at local rivals BAT.

Jack Slade - son of Bemerton boss Steve - scored twice as Harlequins triumphed 3-1 over Alton Town. Stuart Findlay added a third with John Mitchell replying.

Fareham's slide down the SWL table continued, a Scott Joyce penalty plus a Raj Chengadu strike securing Bournemouth Poppies a 2-1 awayday verdict. Ex-Saint Dean Blake replied.