LAVERSTOCK & Ford moved closer to their promotion goal with a convincing win over in-form East Cowes Victoria.

The visitors had not lost since Laverstock beat them 6-0 in December, and they took the lead on eight minutes when Simon Williams capitalised on Josh Weeks's mistake.

Steve Haugh volleyed in an equaliser when East Cowes failed to clear a corner on 15 minutes, and two minutes later Dom Male shrugged off challenges to finish from a through-ball.

Graham Mankin scored with a looping header soon after the break to make it 3-1.

Then Haugh got his second and Laverstock's fourth.

Sam Dye pulled one back for East Cowes with 15 minutes to go but Gino Nardiello's men held on.

"It was a convincing win and the scoreline flattered them," he said. "East Cowes had not lost in six league games, and were candidates for team of the month but, after they scored, it was one-way traffic.

"The back four were outstanding and the two signings from Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Paul Lucas and Matt Baker, have settled in really well."

Laverstock have a score to settle with Andover New Street on Saturday, and also go to AFC Aldermaston on Wednesday, whom they beat 2-1 on the opening day.

"We have got the best home record in the league but New Street are the only side to have beaten us there, so we are looking for a bit of revenge," said Nardiello.

"We have Carlo Downie, Martin Eyers and Elliott Wykes coming back so we are looking strong for the run-in.

"There are 12 games to go and a lot of points to be played for, and I would expect it to go down to the last few games.

"Our aim has always been promotion and I would give up all the cup runs for it."

The reserves enjoyed a 5-0 win over Downton on Tuesday night, after losing 1-0 at Bashley on Saturday.

They host Horndean this weekend.