LYMINGTON Town's hopes of a top-five finish suffered a body blow as they were sunk by relegation-threatened visitors Cowes Sports.

The hosts made the ideal start to the Sydenhams Wessex Premier fixture when Tim Stephenson opening the scoring in the third minute at the Sports Ground.

But Jason Malcolmson levelled midway through the first half and with the interval looming, John McKie got the goal which handed Cowes three precious points.

Elsewhere in the division, Brockenhurst saw off Team Solent 2-0 thanks to Ryan Long's cool head from the spot.

Long put Brock in front with a penalty on the stroke of half-time and with six minutes remaining of the second half, he repeated the trick.

Verwood Town inched closer to their seemingly-inevitable relegation following a 4-0 loss at Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Adie Arnold's side are now 11 points from safety after doubles from Jon Blake and Jake Rawkins condemned them to defeat.

In Wessex One, New Milton Town got their second win in three league games at AFC Stoneham.

Goals from Steve Flynn, Adam Louka and Kyle Leach allowed the visitors to record a 3-0 victory.

Ringwood Town are just four points behind fifth-placed Christchurch after they banked a 3-2 win at Pewsey Vale.

Meanwhile, Swanage Town & Herston missed out on a Dorset Senior Cup final berth after losing 5-0 at Gillingham.