SHANE Sheridan further enhanced his chances of becoming New Milton Town’s permanent manager after presiding over a pulsating 3-3 draw with fourth-placed Christchurch at Hurn Bridge.

Caretaker boss Sheridan, who has also seen the Linnets take points off Sydenhams One high-fliers Shaftesbury and Baffins Milton Rovers, smiled: “I’d probably have taken a point before the game, but I felt we were on top for most of it.

“I’ve had four games, three of them against the top four, and we’re unbeaten, so I’m happy.”

Chris Senior and Luke Stone had given Christchurch a 2-0 lead, halved by Dom Falco on the stroke of half-time.

Senior’s own goal levelled it up before Stone struck again for 3-2.

New Milton had another own goal to thank for the equaliser – Priory debutant Sam Buckler turning Falco’s cross into his own net.

Hamble Club remain 11 points clear at the summit after sub Jamie Mansell edged the Monks a 1-0 win over AFC Stoneham.

Second-placed Baffins blitzed Hythe & Dibden 4-0 through top gun Ryan Pennery, ex-Saint Bobby Scott and two late Tyler Moret goals – his second a stunning overhead kick.