SHOLING boss Dave Diaper joked that he caught up on some much-needed sleep during last night’s 3-0 win at Romsey Town.

Two first-half Lee Wort goals and a second-half Barry Mason effort kept the Boatmen a point adrift of Sydenhams Premier leaders Alresford, who won 3-1 at Fareham Town.

It was Sholing’s third match in five exhausting days. With two more away trips to follow at Fawley AFC (tomorrow) and Bournemouth Poppies (Tuesday) before the big FA Vase semi-final first league at home to Eastbourne United on March 29. Diaper was just pleased to get the win.

“It wasn’t the best of spectacles, but three points and a clean sheet is all that matters,” he said.

“All we want to do at the moment is win games of football.

“Tyzer (Tyronne Bowers) got booked so we took him off at half-time – and that’s half the job, making sure no one gets sent off.

“Conditions were poor with driving rain on a hard surface but, fair play to Romsey, they look well organised under (co-boss) John McFarlane. He’s made a difference without a doubt.”

Alresford, away to Hamworthy United tomorrow, kept their noses in front thanks to goals by Warren Bentley, Zach Glasspool and Stuart Mott at Fareham – the Mapgies’ ninth straight win.

“We’ve gone to a place tonight where Tim (co-manager Tim Cole) and I have never won before,” said a delighted Danny Robinson. “Let’s hope we can do the same at Hamworthy where we’ve only ever won once.” Second-half strikes from Craig Hardy and Nathan Kirby secured AFC Portchester’s 2-0 win over Christchurch.

On Wednesday, Brockenhurst’s inconsistent season continued with a 3-0 home defeat by Moneyfields (Rob Evans 2, Stuart Green).