POOLE Town clawed back another two points on runaway leaders Lymington Town on a day when half of the Division 2 programme was surprisingly washed out by overnight rain.

In fact, Poole were indebted to their groundsman Dick Thomas who had spent four hours forking the saturated Tatnum Ground pitch to ensure that their clash against Hythe & Dibden could go ahead.

And clever Dick's efforts were rewarded with four unanswered goals coupled with the news that table-toppers Lymington had been held to a 1-1 draw at home by fourth-placed Locks Heath.

The Dolphins made the perfect start after seven minutes when Gary Funnell opened the scoring after Aaron Turner's shot had hit the upright and Gary Bartlett doubled Poole's lead on 32 minutes with a 20-yard right-footed drive.

After 85 minutes, midfielder Funnell made it 3-0 with his 22nd goal of the season and 17-year-old Chris Snell - making his debut as a sub - completed the 4-0 scoreline two minutes from time.

Locks Heath are the only side to boast an unbeaten record from their two games against pacesetters Lymington Town this season, their creditable 1-1 draw comes on top of a 3-2 midweek victory over the Foresters earlier in the campaign.

On 20 minutes, Steve Thomas volleyed in a corner by John Stevens to give 'Heath the lead with Paul Sims crossing to the far post for Phil Stone to tap in a simple 65th minute equaliser.

"It was a good game between two footballing sides and it was a fair result, they are the best team we've played by a mile," said Locks Heath boss Matt Parr.

Alresford Town missed their chance to make an impression on the top six when two late goals sentenced them to a 2-1 defeat at lowly Andover New Street.

Dean Cole put the visitors in front after 14 minutes but a 75th minute penalty by Stuart Anderson after a handball plus a last-gasp winner from Duncan Bateman secured the home side a much-needed win.

Stockbridge certainly made heavy weather of their 5-3 awayday success at AFC Aldermaston. A Lewis Bain penalty and Charlie Spencer put 'Bridge 2-0 up inside 30 minutes only for Barry Smith's 16th goal of the season and Ian Cadnam to haul the Berkshire side back on terms.

An own goal nudged the visitors ahead again only for Smith to square things at 3-3 midway through the second half before Ryan Boare (75) and Joel McCormack (89) clinched Stockbridge the verdict.

Three superb goals earned Blackfield a 3-0 win over United Services Portsmouth at Gang Warily.

After 25 minutes, Steve Hartley netted with a cracking 30-yard drive and Lee Burch made it 2-0 on 55 minutes from 25 yards.

Neil Williams then broke down the right and beat three defenders before unselfishly finding Tom Clifford, who pouched their third in the 75th minute.

Waterlogged pitches accounted for Brading v Bishops Waltham, East Cowes v Petersfield, Horndean v Shaftesbury, Liss v Ringwood and Romsey v Fawley.