Sholing boss Dave Diaper reckons Alresford Town are the best footballing side in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier.

Diaper revealed he had to change his side’s tactics to ensure they won at Arlebury Park where a Tyronne Bowers penalty, an Ashley Jarvis screamer and a rare Lee Wort header ensured a 15th win in 17 games for unbeaten Sholing.

He said: “We knew we couldn’t cope with their passing game so we were quite direct. I didn’t think we’d be able to compete with their movement so we hit the space behind their midfield and it worked well.

“Going forward, Alresford remind me of the Wimborne Town side of five years ago.

“We couldn’t match them for passing either, but we always beat them because they overpassed sometimes.

“Their movement was very good going forward but they leave themselves a little vulnerable at the back.

“If they had one or two more defensively-minded midfielders they would be an even better team but it was a fantastic game and they’re a very decent team.

“I can’t see Alresford losing too many more games, they’re playing as well as they did last season.

“There aren’t many other teams who could compete with them.”

Diaper is now looking forward to the Wessex League cup semi-final between the sides next month.

He added: “I recommend people come and watch it as Saturday’s game was a terrific advert for the Wessex League.”

Sholing can continue their charge to the Wessex title when they host Brockenhurst tonight but are still without Byron Mason, Marc Diaper, Danny Miller (ankle/wrist) and Lewis Fennemore (back).

“We’re stretched to the limit at the moment but I was pleased with our character on Saturday, we reacted well to conceding an equaliser just before half-time and missing a penalty,” added Diaper.