WIMBORNE stalwart Jamie Sturgess threw his Magpies teammates a Wessex League title lifeline with the only goal against Fareham Town.

Cuthbury boss Paul Arnold is philosophical about the fact that Winchester remain hot favourites, but is frustrated about the recent dip in form that looks to have cost his side dearly.

"We got five out of 12 points and we just hit a sticky patch," sighed Arnold.

"If we had picked up the points that we were expected to, we would have been in the driving seat now.

"We'd have been top and they (Winchester City) would have had to come here to beat us.

"But it's all ifs and buts. The best team will win the league. That's what it's all about.

"A few people are jealous of Winchester City but you can't say they've bought the league.

"They've invested in their team to get the best results. The only problem I've got with that is that it restricts us from winning things.

"We need to keep this squad together and we've got the basis of a side that could be successful for a few years to come.

"Magpies have three tough games to finish their season - a trip to Portland today, Winchester on Saturday and then Andover at Cuthbury.

If Sturgess can keep clear of any injuries in the Portland and Winchester games, the Andover match will mark his 600th appearance for the club.

Arnold said of the man whose goals helped Wimborne win the FA Vase 12 years ago: "He just epitomises the club really.

"He's a brilliant lad and he just runs his heart out.

"He's got a great attitude to the game and to the club."

"If I'd have paid money for that, I'd have been asking for it back."

That was Lymington and New Milton manager Ian Robinson's damning verdict on his side's substandard display at lowly Whitchurch United.

The 1-1 draw did Linnets few favours in terms of trying to gain ground on third-placed Gosport and left the boss dejected with the effort of his side.

"The attitude of the players was very disappointing - we simply didn't turn up to play," groaned Robinson.

"They were scrapping for everything and showed a lot of desire which we sadly couldn't match."

Michael Jackson volleyed the visitors in front from Paddy James's pass, only for Chris Iddles to snatch a late leveller.

CHRISTCHURCH manager Pete Moore blasted the standard of Wessex League pitches after his side were frustrated by Cowes' surface in their 0-0 stalemate on the Island.

"It was a disgrace, like a ploughed field," fumed the Priory boss.

"They obviously haven't touched it since the start of the season and, if we hadn't had a bit of rain recently, it would have been dangerous.

"We tried to play some football but the ball would bounce and move like Shane Warne had bowled it. It was a lottery.

"A lot is said about the stadia, the floodlights at grounds but nothing is done about the pitches.

"The Wessex League needs to stand up and be counted on this. I know we are spoilt as we have a great surface at Hurn Bridge but we put a lot of effort into it and I can't see why other teams can't do the same."

Priory were reduced to ten men on 85 minutes with Tom Hughes red-carded for supposedly retaliating to a punch from a Cowes player, who also received his marching orders.