Brockenhurst 0 - 1 Moneyfields

Moneyfields kept a third successive clean sheet and at the same time put a dent in Brockenhurst's unbeaten record by securing a 1-0 win in the New Forest thanks to a first half strike from defender Barry Hooper.

It was a good, open game of football played in very hot conditions.

Both sides had their share of possession and both goalkeepers played their part in an exciting game.

Moneyfields keeper Dean Harris twice kept the hosts at bay in the first half.

First, the Moneys stopper saved well from Kneller and then he recovered in time to punch a lob from Crook over the bar just before it crossed the line.

Moneyfields came close to going ahead midway through the half when Gauntlett did well to get his head to George Way's free kick but the effort was kept out by a stretching save from Badgers keeper Colverson.

Skipper Kev Murphy then went close with a couple of headers while, at the other end, Crook headed wide of Harris' net from a corner.

Then, on 35 minutes, Moneyfields took the lead.

Pabs N'Doye was crudely brought down just outside the area and Hooper stepped up to thunder a ball past the flat-footed Colverson to make it 1-0.

Another moment of hesitancy at the heart of the Moneyfields defence almost gifted Brockenhurst an equaliser just before half-time and the hosts started the brighter of the two teams after the break.

Left back Young almost caught out Harris when his curling cross deceived everybody and went inches past the post without a player from either side getting a touch.

Harris then reacted smartly to keep out a header from Kneller by tipping the ball over the bar.

Murphy's efforts to break the deadlock may have failed to hit the target but it was the centre-half's dominance in the heart of the Moneyfields defence that gradually frustrated the life out of their opponents.

Brock may have felt a little hard done by to still be a goal down but Moneys would argue that it could and should have been 2-0 on 70 minutes.

Gauntlett found himself in space with only goalkeeper Colverson to beat but the striker completely missed the ball and the chance was gone.

The same player made better contact just a few minutes later but again failed to direct the ball into the net from Guy Rutherford's well-flighted free kick.

The goal from Hooper proved to be enough as Brock huffed and puffed with both Marwood and Madden going close in the closing minutes but they failed to blow Moneyfields' house down.

Joint boss Bobby De St Croix was delighted with the win and said, "It was another good performance today and another clean sheet.

“Brockenhurst are a good side but I didn't feel that they really hurt us too much today and, if our finishing had been a bit better, I think we could have won by two or three."