FIGHTING Fawley AFC extended their unbeaten run to three games with a 1-1 draw at Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday.

With fellow strugglers Romsey winning, the Oilers are second-to-bottom of the Sydenhams Premier but have as many as four games in hand over the clubs around them.

“It was a decent result for us at Bemerton,” said manager Colin Lane. “We cleared three off the line, but like I said to Chalky (Bemerton boss Ian Chalk), that’s what defenders are for!”

Fawley edged ahead around the half-hour mark when Matt Vining netted the rebound after ’keeper Max Frampton had parried Callum Earl’s free kick.

They held that lead until midway through the second half, when Joe Sanger took possession ten yards inside the Oilers half, ran at the defence and hit a good finish from outside the box.

“Bemerton’s forwards – Sanger and Jack Slade – are as good as any two in the league,” said Lane.

“But we did well and I’m very pleased with the lads going three games unbeaten. We’ve got five points from those games and it should have been seven really because we should have beaten Bournemouth Poppies (a 2-2 draw).”

Goalkeeper Adam Tong played his part at Bemerton, making a terrific first-half save.

Tong, though, could get called back to Sholing reserves at any time, so Lane has covered his bases by signing former Christchurch and Eastleigh ’keeper Dan Loader from Broughton.

“Our next two games are daunting,” said Lane. “We’ve got Sholing (home) on Saturday and Alresford (away) on Tuesday and, on paper, we should get nothing out of them. After that we’ll have nine games left and should hopefully pick up points.”