PORTLAND United kept the race for the Sydenhams Premier Division title alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sholing at Grove Corner.

Moneyfields remain in pole position, four points clear of Portland, after thumping relegation-threatened Whitchurch United 6-0 at Dover Road.

But Dave Carter’s league leaders still have the threat of a three-point deduction hanging over them and, with three games to go, Portland have not given up hope of back-to-back titles following promotion last season as Division One champions.

Pipping fourth-placed Sholing to the post on Grand National day was a major hurdle cleared for the Islanders.

The decisive goal arrived on nine minutes when Darren Watts capitalised on a defensive slip. He played in Lewis Clarke, who kept his cool to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Watts and defender Ross Carmichael had chances to double Portland’s lead before Sholing clicked into gear on 34 minutes. A nice move down the right ended with a cross to top gun Dan Mason, but the 42-goal man skewed the ball a yard wide.

On 56 minutes Mason cut past two defenders and had a shot blocked, but that was to be the Boatmen’s last attacking threat.

They almost fell further behind on the hour mark when Alex Halloran’s free-kick skimmed over Lewis Whyton’s head and was cleared by a covering defender.

Doidge then forced a smart save from Sholing’s Ryan Gosney before heading over unmarked from eight yards.

It wasn’t the most scintillating of encounters, but Portland held tight for their 28th league success of the campaign.

“It was always going to be a close game between two good sides,” summed up Portland chief Gary Bailey.

“It was a bit end-to-end and a bit chaotic at times, but I thought we were good value for our lead in the first half.

“It was fantastic. I can’t ask for any more from the lads, they gave me everything.”

With third-placed Blackfield & Langley beaten 1-0 by Brockenhurst, it is now officially a two-horse title race with three games to go.

Moneyfields continued to make the pace after goals from Dan Wooden, Dan Simmons (2), man-of-the-match James Guthrie (2) and Brett Poate put third-to-bottom Whitchurch to the sword.

“Now we have won promotion, we want to go on and win the title,” said Moneys boss Carter, whose side visit Team Solent on Thursday.

The remaining games for the top-two are: Moneyfields – Team Solent (away, April 13), Andover Town (away, April 15), Newport IoW (home, April 22).

Portland Utd – Newport IoW (away, April 15), Team Solent (home, April 18), Bemerton HH (home, April 22).