PAT McManus wasn’t in the least bit surprised to see his Brockenhurst side topple overnight leaders Blackfield & Langley 2-1 in the Sydenhams Premier Division on Saturday.

Some of the playing personnel may have changed at Grigg Lane this season, but Brock continue to be a side that can beat anyone on their day - or fall flat as a pancake.

Last week was a case in point. Having been well under-par in a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth Poppies on Tuesday, they bounced back to inflict Blackfield’s third league defeat of the season.

Ronan Moore headed them in front from Mark Barker’s free-kick and a good first-half performance was rewarded again when Matt Casey volleyed home from outside the area.

Blackfield rallied after the break but only succeeded in halving the deficit when Sam Poole struck from a 79th-minute corner.

“We were really poor against Bournemouth and there were a few home truths spoken in the dressing room afterwards and this was the response I expected,” said McManus.

“We underlined a few expectations before the Blackfield game and that, coupled with a slight change in shape, worked for us.

“Blackfield haven’t got many weaknesses, but we identified a couple and exploited them.

“We could have extended our lead early in the second half but we didn’t and the last half-hour was difficult. But we still created the odd chance. We hit the bar and so did they.”

Brock are a competitive seventh in the table – something to be thankful for considering they have been short on bodies.

“We had a good XI on Saturday, but no senior players on the bench,” said McManus.

“But we’ve got Joe Chamberlain coming back now after two weeks away and Will Tickle who's missed four games injured and suspended.

“We’ve been light on bodies but I’m pleased we’ve managed to stay in touch with the teams around and above us.”

McManus, who hopes to bring Brad Magookin back to Brock from Bemerton, is ready to do Southampton Senior Cup battle with his old charges QK Southampton at Grigg Lane tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm).