POPPIES first-team coach Fawzi Saadi admitted a mouthful of mud had been a small price to pay for his side’s shock victory at Sholing.

The visitors stunned the high-flying Boatmen 1-0 in tricky conditions at Universal Stadium, thanks to a second-half strike from frontman Louis Coulson.

And having withstood a barrage of pressure from the hosts, Poppies recorded their first win in Sydenhams Wessex Premier since November.

Player-coach Saadi told the Daily Echo: “I tasted mud for the first time in my life. It was like a mud bath after five minutes.

“But I think it was worth it. If we had not won I think I’d have felt a bit sick in the changing room after but because we won I swallowed it fine!

“You just couldn’t run with the ball. The conditions were awful.

“We rode our luck – they missed a few opportunities and hit the crossbar a couple of times. Without exaggerating, I think they had about 20 corners.

“But we defended very well. Full credit to the lads, they worked so hard.”

Elsewhere in the division, Hamworthy United fought back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Lymington.

The hosts had raced into a commanding first-half lead thanks to efforts from Ash Jarvis and Zak Pickett, as well as an own goal.

But Brendon King’s side rallied to earn a point with Jamie Beasley, Ed Hodge and Jamie Filkins all on target in the second period.

Bashley’s home clash with Andover Town and Brockenhurst’s trip to Petersfield Town were postponed.

In Wessex One, Brad Gale’s double either side of the interval helped struggling Verwood to their fifth league triumph of the campaign, a 2-1 victory over Alton at Potterne Park.

Dan Hiscock, Lee Vint and Taylor Leonard netted for Ringwood Town in their 3-1 win at Downton, while Christchurch’s crunch clash at fellow promotion hopefuls Andover New Street was postponed.

Hamworthy United host Bashley in Wessex Premier tomorrow (7.45pm).

In the quarter-final of the Southampton Senior Cup, Lymington take on Hampshire Division One outfit Netley Central Sports at the Sports Ground.

Southampton under-23s await the victors in the last four.