VERWOOD Town’s relegation was confirmed following their 1-1 draw with Sydenhams Wessex Premier rivals Amesbury at Bonnymead Park.

Max Fletcher was on target as the Potters ended a run of nine successive defeats but the result left them 10 points adrift of safety with only three games remaining.

Verwood, who have spent five years in the top flight, sacked manager Gavin Reeves following a six-match winless start to the season in September.

But replacement Adie Arnold, who masterminded their promotion as Wessex One champions in 2012, failed to revive their fortunes and has presided over just five league wins.

Fellow strugglers Poppies took a giant step towards avoiding the drop when Stepan Neronski’s goal earned them a 1-0 victory over neighbours Hamworthy United.

The Victoria Park win saw Poppies climb four points clear of the bottom three with four games remaining, the first of which sees them host Team Solent tomorrow.

Ryan Long’s goal settled the New Forest derby between Brockenhurst and Bashley in favour of the Badgers, while Sam House’s double and a Ross Bottomley effort earned Lymington a 3-0 win at Andover as they halted a run of three straight defeats.

Christchurch kept alive their Wessex One promotion hopes thanks to a narrow 2-1 win over whipping boys Pewsey Vale.

Goals from Andy Masson and Luke Stone saw Priory remain two points shy of third place – which is occupied by Shaftesbury – with three games left.

Lee Clark and River Smith were on target for sixth-placed Ringwood in their 2-0 win over high-flying Baffins Milton Rovers at Long Lane, while Lyam Teixceira, Craig Barnett and Phil Midson netted in New Milton’s 3-1 victory at Andover New Street.