Hamble ASSC boss Danny Bowers upstaged his old mentor Andy Leader by inspiring the Planemakers to a stunning 1-0 victory away at in-form BAT.
The Tobaccomen had only been beaten once this year - by table-toppers Thatcham Town - while rock-bottom Hamble had lost eight of their previous nine matches since the beginning of December.
"That was a fantastic win," beamed Bowers, who was Leader's assistant at Southern Gardens before taking the job at Folland Park.
"Our boys played with heart today and centre-back Ben Cummins - who hasn't played for a year - was outstanding."
The all-important goal came early in the second half. Ross Bottomley challenged BAT keeper Barfoot for the ball, which fell kindly to Aiden Trevaskis, who managed to shin it into the net.
However, Hamble stay bottom of the pile on goal difference from Downton, who picked up another very useful point in a 1-1 draw with Wimborne Town at The Cuthbury.
"I thought that we played really well and did enough to win," reflected Downton boss Jeff Softley, who added: "I've heard that BAT fielded five reserve team players against Hamble today. I hope that's not true."
Wimborne took an early lead through Chris Kennedy but the Wiltshire club equalised after 75 minutes when substitute Luke Hatchman found Dan Gain, who coolly slotted the ball home.
Portland United remain entrenched in the relegation battle following their 3-2 home defeat by AFC Totton.
The Dorset club had held a first-half lead but Totton hit back early in the second period when Danny Barker headed home Stuart Sal-ter's cross from the left wing.
Seventeen-year-old Luke Watts, on as a second half substitute, outpaced two defenders to score on his debut after 67 minutes before Steve Whitcher rifled the ball into the top corner to make it 3-1.
Totton midfielder Mark Lloyd was dismissed for a second bookable offence on 88 minutes just before Portland pulled another goal back.
Portland face a massive six-pointer on Saturday as they host relegation rivals Downton at Grove Corner.
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