WHITCHURCH United returned to winning ways with a thrilling 4-3 victory over bottom side Verwood Town in the Wessex League Premier Division.

The success moved them up to 17th in the table, but it was far from an easy win for the Jam Boys.

They were not at their best in the first 45 minutes, but still managed to go in at half-time leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jack McCarthy.

Manager Carl Bennett felt his side was just ticking over and despite a half-time chat, the visitors soon levelled things after the break.

This spurred the home side back into action, and a good spell saw them score twice in the space of six minutes from Danny Phillips and McCarthy.

With the score at 3-1, the Jam Boys went into cruise control and paid the price as Verwood scored twice to make it 3-3.

The visitors were then reduced to 10 men, after one of their players was sent-off for elbowing Craig Rutledge in the face, which left him with a cut above his eye brow.

With the game looking set to end 3-3, Whitchurch were awarded a late free-kick.

McCarthy whipped the ball into the area and a Verwood defender should have cleared the ball, but instead toe poked the ball into the net.

The Jam Boys' boss Bennett said: "I could not believe it at the end. It was a lucky way to win, but then we have not had much luck recently so I will take it."

Whitchurch have a tough week coming up as they travel to fifth placed Brockenhurst on Saturday and on Wednesday they entertain leaders Moneyfields.