VERWOOD Town boss Carl Poore was a relieved man after the Potters had survived a late scare against Blackfield & Langley.

Poore’s troops came from behind to edge a well-earned 2-1 victory over their rivals at Potterne Park.

However, a late penalty area coming-together involving centre-half Ben Kelly left the manager with his heart in his mouth.

Poore told the Daily Echo: “There were big shouts for them to have a penalty. From where I was, I thought it was a penalty.

“However, Ben said he didn’t catch him and the referee was in a good position and didn’t give it.

“We have been on the wrong end a few times this year so it was nice for a bit of luck to go our way.

“Blackfield are big-spenders in the league and I think everyone was thinking it would be three points to them after they had beaten Moneyfields last week.

“But we were outstanding and matched them all over the pitch.”

Following a goalless first half, Verwood’s Jordan Fisk hit the crossbar with a measured chip early in the second period.

Blackfield then took the lead, only for the hosts to hit back almost immediately.

Newly-recruited on loan from Wimborne Town, Max Brimson started a move that went through Charlie Gajic and James Guthrie and ended with Brimson converting with his left foot.

Ex-Southampton man Kevin Gibbens headed against the crossbar for Blackfield and, in the closing stages, 16-year-old James Guthrie controlled a Fisk cross and took a touch before slotting home.

Kelly then survived penalty appeals and the home side held on.

Verwood, who travel to second-placed Moneyfields tomorrow, climbed to 18th in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier.

Potters: Lynch, Brimson, Buck, Kelly, Donachy, Foster, Rutten (Kimber, 70), Gajic, Fisk, Groves, Guthrie. Unused subs: Anderton, Murray, Collins (g/k).