MARC Holland hit a late winner to hand struggling New Milton Town a potentially priceless Premier Division victory.

Holland struck in the 85th minute as Linnets ended their run of five consecutive defeats to record a much-needed 1-0 win at Fawley on Saturday.

Relegation-threatened Milton are desperately trying to avoid slipping into the drop zone – with two teams expected to fall into Division One at the end of the season.

Boss Glenn Burnett had described the Fawley clash as a “must-win game” and he got the result he wanted thanks to Holland.

The win was made all the more important as closest rivals Hayling United claimed a 2-1 home success against Downton.

Third-bottom Milton, who host Moneyfields at Fawcett’s Field today (noon), hold a four-point lead over Hayling with both teams having three games to play.

While Laverstock & Ford are rooted to the foot of the table, another four teams are also involved in the battle for survival, with Horndean, Brading Town, Blackfield & Langley and Fawley not yet safe.

Burnett’s men will be keen to seal their Premier Division status before the final weekend of the season – when they travel to Hayling.

Linnets: Rowe, Morris, Barge, Holland, Curtis, Case, Proctor (MacFarlane, 80), Tanner, Graham, Moth, Donaldson. Unused subs: Breaker, Burnett.