SHAFTESBURY have with immediate effect sacked boss Luke Middlewick – fewer than 24 hours after beating Brockenhurst 1-0.

Middlewick joined the Wessex League Premier Division side in August, replacing popular manager Ollie Cherrett after his exit in June.

On Tuesday, Middlewick’s Rockies were given all three points by Ash Pope’s 27th-minute goal, boosting Shaftesbury into eighth.

Three points left Shaftesbury in sixth with two games in hand on Moneyfields, six points ahead.

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Should the Rockies win both matches, they would theoretically be two points off Bemerton in fourth.

Middlewick voiced his thoughts on Twitter after Shaftesbury opted to end his stay.

He said: My time (at Shaftesbury) has come to an end, the club has made the decision that we should part ways moving forwards.

“I’m disappointed with that decision but I’m proud of what has been achieved since taking over from where the club was with 0 points and 0 wins.

“I wish the club good luck in the future, I want to thank the staff and volunteers for the hard work behind the scenes.

“Thank you to the players for their time and effort! Twenty-three games in charge - 16 wins, two draws, five losses. Furthest the club’s ever (progressed) in the FA Vase.”

Middlewick guided Shaftesbury to their best-ever performance in the Vase, where they lost 5-4 on penalties in the third round to Brixham following a 1-1 draw.

The Rockies had previously come through four rounds, winning all on penalties.

Explaining their decision via Twitter, the club said: “Shaftesbury Football Club regret having to announce the departure of manager Luke Middlewick.

“The club have not taken this decision lightly, we would like to extend our very best wishes to Luke, we wish him all the best in the future.”

Shaftesbury visit Bemerton on Tuesday, January 3 in their next league game (7.45pm).