Sooner or later, Lymington & New Milton's luck just has to change.

That's the belief of Linnets' assistant manager Richie Phippard, who had nothing but sympathy for the players after a desperately unlucky 1-0 home defeat by Mangotsfield United in the Southern League Errea Cup fourth round last night.

With only five minutes remaining, ex-Saint Christer Warren crossed for striker Danny Gibbons who played it off a defender for a corner.

But a goal kick was given and Mangotsfield broke upfield to score a freak goal.

"It was a blatant corner but the linesman's given a goal kick and from that they've scored," said Phippard.

"They broke down the right and this guy, who's almost on the touchline, has sliced a cross that's gone straight over our keeper Andy Bayliss."

It was the last thing Linnets needed after a barren run of eight straight defeats in the Southern 1 South & West.

"I can't believe it," said Phippard. "We were outstanding tonight against a team who are pushing for promotion from the Premier Division.

"The lads worked their socks off and have to be proud of the way they performed."

To add injury to insult, Linnets' leading scorer James Stokoe - just back from a shoulder injury - limped off with a hamstring problem.