WHITCHURCH United moved up to fourth in the Wessex League division one table with a 2-0 victory at home to Amesbury on Saturday.

Paul Coventry got both of the goals for the Longmeadow side, who dominated the game and should have won more comfortably.

Assistant manager Jason Nash said: “It was a reasonable performance. We had a lot of the play but didn’t take our chances – we should have scored five or six.”

’Church took an early lead when Coventry latched on to left-back Zak Reynolds’ pass before firing in an angled drive that the Amesbury ’keeper got a hand to but could not keep out.

Things got worse for the visitors as their captain was shown a second yellow card for dissent towards the end of the first half.

The home side were completely dominant after the break but spurned numerous opportunities, including a |penalty awarded after a foul on Coventry. The striker took the kick himself but saw his effort saved.

’Church were then indebted to goalkeeper Sean O’Brian, who produced a fine save to prevent Amesbury scoring during a rare break forward. The home side introduced Ashley Childs with 10 minutes to go and the striker made an immediate impact, having a goal chalked off for offside.

He then showed good strength down the left to set up Coventry, who found the roof of the net to make the game safe.

Next up for Whitchurch is a trip to 12th placed Hythe and Dibden on Saturday.

Tadley did not fare so well last weekend, going down 3-0 to visiting Petersfield.

Tadley were unable to get going at all and went behind after 41 minutes. Petersfield doubled their lead 13 minutes into the second half and completed the victory with a third goal close to the end of the game.

Manager Craig Effer said: “We had one of those games where nothing goes right. We were just shocking all over the park but you have one of those every season and hopefully that is ours out of the way.”

Effer is hoping to turn things around on Saturday, when his side, who are ninth in the table, travel to Amesbury.

He said: “I want three points and we have already beaten them once this season so I am confident – as long as we don’t have another bad day at the office.”