Lymington Town re-established their grip on the leadership reins of the Sydenhams Wessex League Division 2 table last night by returning to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over East Cowes Vics at Southampton Road.

But, after two defeats in the their last three games, John Pyatt's men had to do it the hard way as they fell behind to the Islanders on the hour mark before two-goal John Bailey nudged Town four points clear at the summit.

"That was a big, big win for us tonight," admitted Pyatt. "I think the boys were starting to feel the pressure and were doing the wrong things at the wrong time - it needed sheer hard work and determination to get us back on track."

Vics rattled the league leaders by moving ahead after 60 minutes when Wayne Newnham smashed his shot high into the net from just outside the six-yard box.

It shook Town into action and, ten minutes later, Bailey played a neat one-two with Paul Sims and sent the busy Vics keeper Richie Newberry the wrong way as he stroked home from six yards.

Lymington grabbed their winner on 75 minutes. Substitute Kev Brennan's first touch of the ball took him away down the left flank and he crossed to the far post for Bailey to nod in.

"Every game from now until the end of the season is going to be just as tough as tonight," warned Pyatt. "Poole and ourselves are so far clear that all the other clubs are fired up to turn us over."

The two other scheduled Division 2 matches between Amesbury Town and Stockbridge plus Petersfield Town and Bishop's Waltham Town were both postponed following heavy rain yesterday afternoon.