MISFIRING Blackfield & Langley blew the chance to narrow the gap on the Sydenhams Premier top-two after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at Verwood Town on Saturday.

Given the quality of their win over title rivals Moneyfields seven days earlier, it was hard to grasp how the Watersiders could play like potential champions one week and then trip up against the fourth-to-bottom Potters the next.

But in B&L boss John Robson’s book, there was very little to choose between the two performances – barring one crucial difference.

“We were every bit as good against Verwood as we were last week until we got into the final third,” he said.

“We had 65-70 per cent possession, but just couldn’t score.

“If I was to say we had ten decent chances with just the goalkeeper to beat, I wouldn’t be exaggerating.”

Following a goalless first half, Verwood’s Jordan Fisk hit the crossbar with a measured chip early in the second.

Blackfield then took a 51st-minute lead through Mark Ford only for the hosts to hit back instantly through new ‘loan’ player Max Brimson from Wimborne Town.

In their desperation to get ahead again, Blackfield threw the kitchen sink at it and went mighty close when Kev Gibbens headed against the bar. But the visitors were punished in the 86th minute when 16-year-old James Guthrie controlled a Fisk cross before slotting home. “At 1-1 the midfielders and full-backs wanted to push on and we had far too many people thinking ‘I must get up there and score’, which left us loose at the back,” said Robson. “That’s why we gave away the goal.

“I still felt we had the majority of possession and controlled the play, but we tried to chase the game and it cost us.

“We got beat 2-1 and it was all down to us. It’s very disappointing. But I take my hat off to Verwood, they worked very hard.”

Potters boss Carl Poore saw things slightly differently, saying: “Blackfield are big spenders in the league and I think everyone was thinking it would be three points to them after they had beaten Moneyfields.

“But we were outstanding and matched them all over the pitch.

“There were big shouts for a Blackfield penalty towards the end and, from where I was, I thought it was.

“However, Ben (Kelly, Verwood centre-half) said he didn’t catch their player and the referee was in a good position and didn’t give it.”

Blackfield tonight switch their attentions to the Sydenhams League Cup quarter-final at Horndean.

Right-back Hugh Dathan returns after a spell out with a groin tear, but wideman Danny Young is sidelined for at least a month with a dislocated shoulder.

Teenage midfielder Josh Hanratty could be a late arrival if he gets back from the passport office in London in time.

The 17-year-old is flying to United States later this week to do the groundwork for an American scholarship.

Bemerton HH host Ringwood Town in tonight’s other SWL Cup last-eight tie.