LAVERSTOCK & Ford were edged out by champions-elect Colden Common in an entertaining game, with two soft second half goals proving costly.

Ian Cormack and Simon Ford took the squad places of the injured Stu Lyndsay and Paul Lucas, who has been lured away by Wessex League Andover.

Nick Newman was the lone man up front with Dom Male and Toby Giles working the flanks in a five-man midfield, but Male was injured after 15 minutes and replaced by Elliott Wykes. Newman had a good chance before Common scored when Liam McConnell parried a cross.

'Stock were level after the break when Newman's pullback was met by a thunderous 25-yarder from Rae Hughes which ripped into the net. Unfortunately a Common forward was left unmarked to make it 2-1, and a controversially-awarded free kick crept in for the visitors' third.

Laverstock were back in it through Newman's shot which took a wicked deflection and left the keeper flat-footed.

However, the equaliser was not forthcoming, despite substitute Ford's best efforts as his strike was well saved.

'Stock are at home to Paulsgrove on Saturday, while their reserves, who beat AFC Portchester 3-2, visit Andover New Street.