FOLLAND Sports still have a lot of hard work to do to drag themselves clear of the Sydenhams Premier danger zone – but they have made a start.

Saturday’s incident-packed 3-2 defeat of Verwood Town was the Planemakers' first league win since September and only their third of a difficult season.

They did it the hard way too, battling back from 2-0 down on a blustery afternoon in Hamble.

Verwood led by a Tyler Rutten penalty after Liam Golding had upended Jordan Fisk. And when Joe Wood bustled his way through and beat keeper Ross Casey, it looked as if the Planemakers would be nosediving again.

But ex-Liss and Horndean striker Matt Andrews swung the pendulum Follands’ way with two goals in as many minutes, rifling an Exocet into the far, top corner before netting from close range.

Andrews could have completed a six-minute hat-trick from the spot after Elliot Richards had been bundled over, but Verwood 'keeper Ray Stroud saved at full stretch.

It was left to Planemakers’ sub Dan Spreadbury to notch a late winner after Stroud had failed to collect Andrews’ through ball.

“For the first time our guys struck to the game plan for 90 minutes. On another day, we could have had six or seven,” smiled Follands boss Dave Herbert.

“There were a few outstanding performances, but I’d pick Jamie Blackburn who's switched to right-back to help shore things up.

“With all the games off over Christmas, me and John (McFarlane, assistant) have worked really hard to get us up and running. We’re two experienced players away from really kicking on.”

Verwood boss Alan Lay lamented: “Once they started putting pressure on us, we collapsed like a house of cards.”

Storm Imogen allowing, rock-bottom Follands – still nine points from safety - face a stern test tomorrow (Tuesday) at home to second-placed Blackfield & Langley.

Fawley made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 result at Cowes Sports. Ben Bolton and Zac Willis scored for the Oilers with Aiden Sainsbury on target for Cowes.

Fawley will bid to make it three in a row at home to Verwood on Wednesday.