STOCKBRIDGE dropped into the bottom two of the Hampshire Premier League Senior Division with a spirited 4-2 defeat at home to Locksheath on Saturday.

The struggling Robins conceded first-half goals from Christopher Sales and a brace from Ryan Nowacki, who struck two goals in four minutes right before the break.

Ben Cox scored Stockbridge’s only goal of the half, as the Robins went into half-time 3-1 down.

Danny Knee struck shortly after the restart to give the visitors a comfortable three-goal advantage.

However the battling hosts showed character in the second half to claw a goal back through Cox.

Despite their attempts Stockbridge could not force a comeback as they ran out 4-2 losers on the day.

The result means the Robins have lost eight back-to-back league games, a run which now leaves them in 17th place, three points above bottom side Colden Common.

However, Stockbridge have shown an improvement in recent weeks and with two games in hand over teams around them, could still escape relegation.

A statement on the club’s website said: “It was another spirited display by the team.

“It was nice to see the lads were still in good spirits in the White Hart after the game.

“A big thanks to Andy Wilson who took over the whistle when the referee was injured early in the game.”