TOP scorer Shane Sheridan’s late brace bagged the points as improving New Milton Town beat Downton 2-0 at Fawcett’s Field.

Sheridan made up for his first-half penalty miss to fire the Linnets to a fifth Sydenhams Wessex One win of the season, taking his personal tally to nine goals in nine matches.

The success saw New Milton leapfrog their opponents into 11th spot in an increasingly-congested section of the division in which three points separates the teams from ninth to 14th.

Chris Elliott, Mike Oxford and Darren Williams were on target as Ringwood Town succumbed to a surprise 3-0 defeat at second-bottom East Cowes Victoria.

In the Premier Division, Hamworthy United left themselves with too much to do having conceded two early goals to Newport.

Connor Kelly and Joe Butcher struck inside the first 25 minutes for the visitors with Butcher’s second after the interval wrapping up a 3-1 success at the County Ground. Connor Phillips scored for the Hammers.

Scott Joyce (pictured) and Mark Barker netted as Brockenhurst claimed a 2-2 draw at Andover Town. Luke Dempsey and Lewis Benson were the home side’s scorers.

Verwood’s home match against Sholing and Christchurch’s fixture with Tadley were postponed.