ALRESFORD’S most famous sporting connection is John Arlott, the legendary cricket broadcaster, and it is known for its watercress beds – not as a footballing hotbed.

But Alresford Town remain on course for their highest-ever finish after climbing into the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League’s top three with a 3-0 win against Lymington Town.

Until this season the Magpies had never finished above 15th in the football pyramid’s Step 5. But they remain only a point off second-placed Christchurch after two first-half Warren Bentley goals helped secure a comfortable win against lowly Lymington.

Bentley scored twice in three minutes, slotting the first after a slick exchange of passes with Mike McEnery before hitting the top corner from a penalty when Dominic Cope was upended.

Lymington’s Luke Ansell was denied a headed equaliser by the crossbar but that was as close as the visitors came before midfielder Cope secured the points by slamming in a left-footer midway through the second half.

Full story in today's Daily Echo