THE effects of an epic Southampton Senior Cup semi-final win took their toll on Sholing in a disappointing 1-0 Sydenhams Premier defeat at lowly Whitchurch United on Saturday.

Injuries and fatigue meant only three players who had started the extra-time battle against Brockenhurst last Thursday were named in Dave Diaper’s Longmeadow 11 less than 48 hours later.

Whitchurch’s ex-Boatman Jamie Mansell had several chances to plunge his old club into first-half arrears - rattling the crossbar, heading wide and forcing young Sholing ’keeper Jordan Brooks to block with his chest.

Fourth-placed Sholing laid siege to the Jam Boys’ goal after the break with young Nick Yeomans denied by Jam Boys ’keeper Ellis Grant at point-blank range.

But when the visitors were caught on the counter-attack on 62 minutes, it was inevitably the menacing Mansell who punished them. This time he got his finish spot on, coolly slotting the ball past Brooks after being picked out by Luke Walker.

Sholing pressed hard for an equaliser, but Whitchurch held strong to inflict the Boatmen’s first defeat in ten league and cup outings.

It was a vital win for the Jam Boys, pulling them three points clear of second-to-bottom Fawley with a game in hand.

Sholing, home to league leaders Moneyfields tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm), will be hosting their second ‘club day’ of the season later this month.

Their game against Bournemouth Poppies on Saturday, March 25 (3pm), will be FREE admission for all at the Universal Stadium.

The Boatmen hope to see all their youth, ladies and pan disability players in attendance, along with coaches, parents, sponsors, volunteers and ex-players. There will be a BBQ and free sweets for the kids.