JAMES Roden’s return to central defence gave Folland Sports the steel they needed to get back to winning ways against lowly Christchurch.

After losing five Sydenhams Premier games on the bounce, the Planemakers hit back with a 3-1 victory courtesy of two Ryan Long goals and one from defender-turned-midfielder Calum Brockway.

Sub Bryce Banfield grabbed Priory’s late consolation.

“That game couldn’t come soon enough for us,” admitted assistant boss Dave Lewis.

“We’d put in a mean defensive display against Moneyfields but had no goal threat and lost 1-0. Then at Winchester we scored two, should have got more, but we let in five.

“It was a case of putting the two together and on Saturday we controlled it from start to finish. We put in a good defensive display and had lots of goal threat.

“James Roden’s knee blew up and we missed him at Winchester. We’ve always known he’s a good player but it’s during the down times that you realise his worth.

“He’s a good character and we’re a much meaner side when he’s playing.

“I’m pleased for the boys that we’ve got the monkey off our back with a good three points, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer and we’ve got another really tough game at AFC Portchester (tonight).”

Graham Rix’s Portchester are enjoying a purple patch, unbeaten in 11 league and cup games, but their recent form means nothing to Lewis.

“Portchester have always been decent opposition. It’s no different now to any other time we’ve played them,” he said. “I shan’t even bother looking at their team sheet because I know how good they are.”

Long is unavailable through work commitments while Wayne Boud, Ryan Fuller, Ollie Warren and Matt Casey are all struggling with injury. Ryan Gosney returns in goal.