IMPROVING Alresford Town ran title-chasing Blackfield & Langley close – but not quite close enough – as the Watersiders made ground on Sydenhams Premier leaders Salisbury with a 3-2 victory at Gang Warily.

Blackfield took an early lead when Sam Lanahan headed home a diagonal cross, but the Magpies defended manfully and almost equalised on 43 minutes when John Howard forced B&L 'keeper Chad Collins into a fine fingertip save.

Alresford, who handed a debut to midfielder Aaron Blaxall from Fleet Town, were forced to make changes after the break with Howard replacing hamstring victim Mike Weatherall in goal and Cliff Walters introduced up front.

It took Walkers just two minutes to make it 1-1 with a near-post header from Tom Donaldson’s free-kick.

Thirty seconds later Blackfield were back ahead as Lanahan bagged his second of the game and, on 54 minutes, they made it 3-1 when Rico Wilson beat Howard from a tight angle.

But the Magpies fought on and pulled it back to 3-2 on 75 minutes - Bill Puckett swivelling to fire into the bottom left-hand corner.

Blackfield still threatened, with Callum Pilley-Cunliffe prominent, but Alresford almost snatched a late point when the hard-working Blaxall set up Donaldson for a shot which Collins did well to parry.

Alresford remain second-to-bottom, five points from safety, while second-placed Blackfield sit two points behind title favourites Salisbury having played three games more.

This weekend Glenn Howes’ Watersiders visit Hamworthy United, who lost 3-1 at home to Newport IoW on Saturday. Connor Kelly and Joe Butcher (2) struck for Islanders, with Connor Phillips bagging the Hammers’ reply.