Brockenhurst boss Pete Moore was given his marching orders from the home dug-out following an amazing bust-up with assistant referee Paul Byfield during Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Gosport Borough.

Moore was despatched to the stands for swearing but he alleges that Byfield also used foul and abusive language towards him, which prompted the confrontation.

Manager Moore said: "I did swear but it wasn't aimed at anyone as it was a comment within the dug-out about the referee's decision but then Byfield, who was running the line, starting telling me "you're effing off".

"I confronted Byfield because he shouldn't have been swearing at me. I'll wait and see the referee's report before I decide whether to take it any further," added Moore.

Gosport striker Neil Scammell caused the excitement on the pitch with a superbly taken hat-trick.

The first goal, after 20 minutes, was a delicate 20-yard chip over the 'keeper, while the second was a stunning 35-yard volley from wide on the right that even Moore described as a "goal of the season".

Paul Maloney rifled in a 25-yard free-kick just before half-time to reduce the deficit for the Badgers but Scammell completed his treble right on the whistle when he headed home Perry Holland's free-kick.

Happier times for new Thatcham manager Steve Melledew, who marked his first official game in charge with a 3-1 home success against Andover. Russell Green gave Town the lead on 13 minutes after the Andover 'keeper had failed to deal with a free-kick and Sean Cook made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark with a fine individual effort.

Thatcham 'keeper Alan Mann gifted Andover a lifeline when his free-kick went straight to Justin Bennett, who crossed for Sam Rea to pull a goal back just two minutes later.

But the home side wrapped up the points after 65 minutes when James DeFraine netted with a low, stooping header.

Hamble ASSC remain at the head of the current form table after they also recorded a 3-1 victory at Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Manager Larry Clay smiled: "That's 32 points now so we've achieved our first objective which was to get 30 and avoid relegation!

"Now we are looking to press on and take the second half of the season in the same manner as we took the first," added Clay, whose side face title challengers Eastleigh and Totton in their two Christmas games.

Jamie Musslewhite struck with a firm shot across the 'keeper to give the Planemakers a 20th-minute lead, which was doubled ten minutes later by Steve Whitcher.

Whitcher also notched the third with a thumping 20-yard volley to crown some great build-up play before Neil Cole bagged a last-minute consolation for the Wiltshire club.

Meanwhile, Cowes Sports have now gone 11 league matches without a win following their 3-1 defeat at Wimborne where they finished with ten men after having a player sent off late on for using foul and abusive language. Stuart Cannie had a hand in all three of the Magpies goals, the first after 30 minutes when his cross presented Paul Sims with a simple tap-in.

On 55 minutes, Gareth Barnes also had a tap-in from Cannie's cross and, although Cowes pulled a goal back, Barnes side-footed the ball past the 'keeper with five minutes remaining following more good work by Cannie.

Rock-bottom Whitchurch have now failed to score a single goal in nine of their 11 home games this season following their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Christchurch at Longmeadow.

Christchurch co-manager Nigel Cripps said: "I think the result was better than our performance but we've done a job. Unfortunately, Whitchurch are struggling at the moment and, once we had scored ,you felt that was it."

Paul Rideout gave the Priory men an 18th-minute lead, firing home from 12 yards following good work by Ben Griffiths and Duncan Wells. On 40 minutes, Wells pounced to score after Lee Manning's effort had only been parried by the 'keeper and Wells notched their third early in the second half from a goalmouth scramble.