LEADERS Moneyfields dropped two rare points in the Sydenhams Premier title chase on Saturday, but Blackfield & Langley were unable to capitalise.

While Moneys had two men sent off in a 2-2 home draw at home to lowly Fareham Town, Blackfield lost their second-versus-third battle 3-1 to Portland United at Gang Warily.

Fareham’s result at Dover Road continued an unbeaten start for their new boss Pete Stiles, following on from a 3-1 midweek win at Amesbury.

Moneys’ hopes were handicapped as early as the sixth minute when Alex Shephard, as last defender, saw red for bringing down Simon Woods.

And Woods it was who put Fareham ahead on 41 minutes, sending a curling shot past Moneys’ dual-signed AFC Totton goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe.

Dave Carter’s league leaders equalised through Dan Wooden just prior to half-time before former Sholing midfielder Lewis Fennemore saw red for use of the elbow.

Josh Holmes restored Fareham’s lead but, despite their numerical disadvantage, Moneys salvaged a point courtesy of Curtis Da Costa’s far-post header.

Mat Jones, Moneys’ assistant manager, said: “It was a good point in the end.

"The first sending-off was probably correct but we were disappointed with the second.”

Rather than make up ground on Moneyfields, Blackfield slipped further adrift and now trail the Copnor outfit by ten points with a game in hand.

The Watersiders’ run of four straight league wins was halted by a Portland side who have made a huge impact on the Wessex top flight since being promoted as Division One champions last season.

Saluting a “really solid away performance” against one of the league’s big hitters, ecstatic Islanders’ boss Gary Bailey said: “There was no smash and grab about it.

“It could have been a few more, if I’m honest, but I’m not going to be greedy.”

Portland took the lead on five minutes when Alex Holloran’s inswinging corner deceived Blackfield keeper Brad Snelling amid a melee in the box and sailed into the top corner.

A remarkable double save from Sean Lillington kept the visitors’ lead intact before Blackfield had Callum Cunniffe-Pilley sent off just before the break for kicking out at Halloran.

With a man advantage, Portland doubled their advantage through Ryan McKechnie on 53 minutes following Chris Clarke’s surging run and cross.

Blackfield’s ex-Saints striker Jamie White pulled a goal back, but the game was wrapped up five minutes later through Portland sub and Eastleigh scholar Tom Bearwish.

Numbers were evened up with 20 minutes remaining when United’s Ross Carmichael picked up a second yellow card.

Nothing, though, could wipe the smile off the face of Bailey, who said: “We played some good football and looked resolute defensively all over the pitch.

"Everyone put a shift in and we took our goals at good times.”