by Henry Ascoli
The cutting edge proved key as league leaders Locks Heath overcame a committed display from Liphook United to triumph 2-5 in a robust clash.
A brace from Ryan Lock set the visitors en route to victory at the Recreation Ground.
Locks Heath dominated the early exchanges, as Jordan Neal peeled off the defence to produce a looping header and Joe Moreton delivered a dangerous strike from 25 yards.
The visitors received the reward for their strong start on 22 minutes, when Matt Rain rose at the back post to confidently head the ball home.
Locks Heath doubled their lead six minutes later, as Lock capitalised on ample time and space to stride forward and slot the ball beneath goalkeeper Scott Sillence from 10 yards.
United forced the visitors onto the back foot with a spell of sustained pressure before the break, but a cruel deflection denied Mike Stott from 12 yards and Rick Williams missed by a whisker with a diving header.
Locks Heath regained control at the start of the second half and effectively sealed victory on 53 minutes, as slack defending allowed Matt Northcott to nod the ball home from 15 yards.
Sensing a rout, the visitors flooded forward and added another goal on the hour mark, when Lock surged down the left wing and pulled the ball back for Neal to convert from close range.
Liphook reduced the deficit four minutes later, as Glen McGrath shook off several challenges to deliver an accurate cross for Steve Harding to hit the target with an assured header.
United committed men forward in an effort to force their way back into the match, only to be caught on the break, allowing Lock to fire the ball into the bottom left corner on 77 minutes.
Locks Heath posed a constant threat on the counter-attack during the latter stages, yet determined defending from the hosts prevented Neal and Northcott adding to the scoreline.
Liphook netted a consolation goal in added time, as Steve Harding swivelled to strike a superb volley which rippled the roof of the net.
However, it was too little, too late for the hosts as the league leaders clinched victory to stretch their winning run to 10 matches.
