JUBILANT manager James Wood paid a special tribute to goalkeeper Stewart Kearn after his battling Poppies completed the double over Wimborne Town last night.

Kearn, making his first return to Cuthbury since his summer move to Victoria Park, pulled off a sensational second-half save to deny Wimborne striker Scott Joyce an equaliser in front of a season's best crowd of 480.

It was a crucial point in the game and came just minutes after another former Wimborne old boy Mark Smith had given the visitors a 78th-minute lead with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.

"It was always going to be a difficult game for Kearnsy and I thought he handled himself and the occasion magnificently," said Wood. "He was always going to take a bit a stick from a few of the fans, which wriles me a little bit because he had been a great servant to Wimborne.

"Since his move to us, he has been absolutely fantastic for me. His attitude and professionalism is second to none."

Poppies' victory puts them just three points behind second-placed Wimborne who are nine adrift of leaders AFC Totton with just two games in hand.

Wimborne manager Chister Warren, who was unhappy with the manner in which his side conceded defeat, said: "Yet again we didn't turn up for the big games.

"I was disappointed with their goal. They were allowed to work it too easily from a throw-in and we didn't pick up the pieces to stop the shot coming in.

"And the reaction after the goal was also disappointing," added Warren. "There was no fighting spirit and I'm not sure if we've got the belief against the other top sides.

"But we're certainly not going to give up the title battle. We've had a long chat with the lads and I'm sure sure they will give us the right response."

In a cat-and-mouse first-half, chances were few and far between with Steve Strong spurning Poppies' best chance.

The former Salisbury striker flashed a left-foot shot just wide of the post from 18 yards with just Kearn to beat on 30 minutes.

The goalmouth action increased considerably after the interval with Nick Hutchings tipping a Smith header on to the crossbar following a strong run and cross from the industrious Scott Sanderson.

Wimborne's best chance fell to Warren who failed to test the keeper after being put clean through by the impressive James Bailey-Pearce before Smith broke the deadlock.

Although Poppies defender Ollie Cherrett was sent off for a second bookable defence in the final few minutes the visitors survived the late onslaught.