OLLY Cherrett's early goal proved decisive as title-chasing Poppies made hard work of beating mid-table Hamble.

Cherrett netted with a powerful header after getting onto the end of Steve Strong's cross-cum-shot.

But Poppies wasted about a dozen other chances against a very competitive Hamble outfit who could easily have made James Wood's side pay for their woeful display in front of goal.

As it was, Cherrett's strike was the difference, although Poppies felt hard done when Tim Constable's late shot was handled on the line by a Hamble defender but a penalty was not awarded.

Manager Wood, whose team are fifth in the table, said: "I was really pleased for Olly because not only was it a great header but his all round performance was superb.

"I think he was man of the match.

"Two-nil would have been a fairer result, but it was more important to win at this stage.

"Anywhere in the top four would be a marvellous achievement for us."

Poppies: Kearn, Beckett, Morrell, Dibba, Cherrett, McCabe (Constable 65), M Smith, Dancer, Strong (Crow 75), Phillips, Jeffes (Barnes 70). Unused subs: White, Wood.