Match report: Blistering Brockenhurst FC seals Wessex League Premier Division safety after 3-1 win that leaves Blackfield & Langley FC in a relegation dogfight

In a massive game for both sides, Brockenhurst picked up the points needed to secure league survival, while Blackfield & Langley were left languishing in the relegation zone on Saturday.

Brockenhurst came into the match knowing a draw would be enough to maintain their league status, while Blackfield & Langley now sit three points off safety, but the side above them, Downton, holds two games in hand.

“We’re pleased to get the win,” said Brockenhurst manager Danny Ackland after the game. “We had been struggling with injuries and went into the last game against Portchester with five teenagers on the bench, so it was good to get Andriy [Demira], Rhys [Taylor], Harry [Bunce], and Harrison [Fay] back but also to welcome Pip Nolan, who joined us on deadline day.

“We were comfortable, although I wanted us to have more control with possession than we had. The first goal was brilliant, and we had good moments.

“Being 3-0 up at half-time probably flattered us, and we had more control in the second half, although we conceded the penalty.”

Ackland added: “Blackfield & Langley are obviously fighting for their lives, so we were expecting them to be competitive, and they were well organised and aggressive in everything they did. It was a test, and I’m pleased we came through it.”

Ben Atiako-Hall kept up his excellent recent form, grabbing two early goals before Jack Torniainen made it 3-0 with 30 minutes played. Ewang Derrick pulled one back, but it would be little more than a consolation.

With seven minutes played, Brockenhurst scored with the game’s first shot on goal. After a slick throw-in routine, former Lymington Town player Rian Drake found some space before cutting the ball back to Atiako-Hall, who slotted home easily.

Six minutes later, it was 2-0. After what some felt was a foul on Jack Mann, Atiako-Hall found Harry Bunce on the wing. Bunce’s hgh cross evaded the fingertips of James Harwood but found the head of Atiako-Hall, who made no mistake.

With his strength, Blackfield’s Ewang Derrick was causing problems for the Badgers, but his two efforts on goal flew straight at Jordi Valero.

The misses hurt all the more when Torniainen ran onto a bouncing ball and half-volleyed home from 25 yards out with an effort that left Harwood with no chance.

Derrick had the ball in the back of the net for the Watersiders moments before the break, but the linesman’s flag meant it stayed at 3-0 heading into the second 45.

The visitors improved drastically after the break. First, Derrick burst through before pulling his shot wide, then Tim Nguyen headed wide before Valero made a decent save.

With 72 minutes played, Blackfield’s best player on the day, Derrick, fired home from the penalty spot after the referee spotted a soft handball during a penalty box melee.

Despite their need for points, Blackfield could not muster much in the way of pressure, and Brockenhurst deservedly took the three points.

With league safety secured, Brockenhurst turns their sights on the Southampton Senior Cup, in which they will face Millbrook away from home before hosting Fareham Town on Saturday.

Blackfield & Langley have a chance to grab much-needed points when they return to action on Saturday, away against 17th Wincanton Town.

Blackfield & Langley: J. Harwood, D. Nguyen, J. Merrett, J. Burton, J. Rose, O. Royl, D. Roocroft, J. Mann, E. Derrick, R. Bakary, H. Osman. Subs: T. Crook, T. Nguyen, A. Silverstein, H. Mubiru.

Brockenhurst: J. Valero, J. Torniainen, R. Drake, B. Channell, P. Nolan, C. Burns, R. Taylor, L. Gray, B. Atiako-Hall, J. Adams, H. Bunce. Subs: D. Walker, J. Burgess, H. Fay, H. Legg, A. Demira.