JUST when Lymington & New Milton boss Ian Robinson feared the club's season was crumbling, some good news has come his way.

Not only did the Linnets atone for Saturday's dismal FA Vase exit by triumphing 1-0 at AFC Newbury last night in the Wessex League, but they have an experienced new defender on board.

Out of the blue, Robinson got a call this week from Paul Towler, player-of-the-season with Ryman Premier outfit Hendon last year. The 31-year-old Met Police instructor moved to Barton-on-Sea during the summer and, after running the rule over several clubs locally, he contacted the Linnets.

Robinson, who has been crying out for a central defender, thought it was too good to be true. He said: "I told him if he'd been in the Ryman Premier then he wouldn't want to play for us, but his brother plays for Chippenham in the Dr Martens League and he said he didn't fancy all that travelling.

"When I asked him what position he played and he said central midfield or central defence, I thought Jimmy Sheppard (Linnets skipper) had put him up to it, but Paul assured me it was no wind-up. After two days of abject misery, it was nice to get a decent call for a change."

Towler, a former Watford apprentice, will make his debut next Tuesday in the Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final against his former Ryman adversaries Basingstoke Town.

He said: "As I commute on a daily basis to London and have two young children, the thought of having to travel to play in the Dr Martens or Isthmian Premier League does not appeal. Lymington & New Milton are ideal."

After a run of four league defeats, the Linnets turned the tide with a 59th-minute winner at Newbury. John Mulhern broke free on the right and Kevin Reacord ran across his marker to score on the half-volley.

"The way we went about our business was good," said Robinson. "We were under the cosh for some time, but we rode our luck and got the rub of the green for a change."