Lavvy One Win Away from Promotion after Penalty Win

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 10:42

Laverstock and Ford are one match away from playing at the highest level they have ever reached after a dramatic playoff semi-final victory.

The Bulldogs overcame Hamble on penalties, winning the shoot-out 7-6 after some late drama which saw Liam McConnells' side go behind with just minutes remaining.

Lavvy don't seem to know when to give up, though, and grabbed an equaliser in injury time through an Archie Lovegrove free kick in the fourth minute of added time to see the game to spot kicks.

Hamble was seen as the toughest test possible. They'd only lost one game at home all season, having scored the second highest amount of goals and conceded the second least - it was going to be an uphill task.

That uphill task was made bigger when, with just five minutes remaining of the first half, Hamble took the lead. Yeomans giving the home side the advantage going into the break.

McConnell's side fought back to be level in the second half, Fraser Colmer levelling with a header from a corner mid-way through the second half.

There was more drama again, with six minutes remaining of the 90. Yeomans again got the goal for Hamble, sending the home supporters and staff into what turned out to be premature celebrations.

Laverstock fought back, made some changes and then, through an Archie Lovegrove free-kick, levelled in the fourth minute of added time to take the tie to penalties.

The Bulldogs held their nerve, winning the penalty shootout by 7 goals to 6, sending them through to the Wessex Premier League Play Off Final. They will play either Portland United or Andover New Street in the final on Saturday after they play-off their semi-final this evening (22nd April).

Laverstock and Ford FC have never played at the 4th tier of non-league football and now just stand 90 minutes from playing in the Southern League.

Laverstock and Ford Manager, Liam McConnell, sent Salisbury Radio a voice note this morning: