WHITCHURCH United pulled four points clear of bottom of the league side Alresford Town on Saturday with a vital 3-0 home win against Brockenhurst.

A brace from Dave Parry and a goal from new signing Aaron Jarvis helped the Jam Boys to the moral boosting win, their first in the Wessex Premier League since August.

Playing at Longmeadow, Whitchurch started their game well with some controlled passing play.

However in what remained a goalless first half, the biggest talking point came in the form of a penalty appeal from the away side following a challenge by goalkeeper Brad Snelling.

The stopper appeared to barge the Brockenhurst striker with his shoulder after the forward had been put through one-on-one with Snelling, but the referee ruled that the contact was fair.

Whitchurch came out fighting in the second half and ten minutes after the restart they were 1-0 up through Dave Parry.

The midfielder followed up an Aaron Jarvis shot from outside the box which was parried at his feet before having his own effort saved, only to tap in the rebound.

The goal gave Whitchurch a renewed confidence which was epitomised in the 68th minute by a stunning strike from Jarvis.

The youngster, who recently signed from Basingstoke Town's academy side, was slid through one-on-one with the Brockenhurst centre half before knocking the ball to his right and smashing a marvellous shot into the top corner from 25-yards.

Whitchurch added their third and final goal when Luke Nellor drove the ball into space before sliding in Parry, who cut inside and unleashed a curling effort across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.

The result moves the Jam Boys up to 18th place and manager Carl Bennett believes it will provide his side with a platform to push on from this season.

He said: "I think we have turned a corner now.

"I've seen a lot more from the lads in the last few weeks and there is a really good vibe coming out of the dressing room.

"It was a good performance and I think we deserved it as I think we had the better of the play.

"That's not to take anything away from Brockenhurst who are a good good outfit but we looked after the ball and defended really really well."

Asked what the result means for their season, Bennett added: "Being honest we are just looking to consolidate this season, finishing in mid-table and then push on for next year.

"We have had a bad start but I've told the lads that if we put in the work now we won't have to fight at the end of the season.

"But we have a talented group and if we play like we did on Saturday I know we can be a match for any side."