THREE was the magic number for Sydenhams Premier outfit Sholing on Saturday.

Dan Mason netted his 33rd goal of the season in the third minute to clinch the Boatmen their third league and cup win at AFC Portchester this term.

The three points were wrapped up when Portchester failed to deal with Marvin McLean’s cross, allowing master marksman Mason – on his 250th club appearance – to find the bottom right-hand corner at the second attempt.

Sholing had the better of the first-half and should have doubled their advantage before the break when Byron Mason poked the ball towards his brother Dan six yards out, but Royals keeper Cameron Scott touched his shot onto the post.

Portchester were far more threatening after the break, but still Sholing had chances to extend their lead on a difficult, heavy pitch.

Luke Dempsey headed over Barry Mason’s free-kick from close range and, from a tight angle, Dan Mason was denied by Scott’s feet.

Veteran former Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town striker Lee Peacock looked destined to equalise for the Royals, but the ball got stuck in the mud and Sholing keeper Ryan Gosney dived at his feet to save.

It preserved a 17th clean sheet of the season for the Boatmen who eased five points clear of Portchester in fourth spot.

Sholing tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) host a Sydenhams League Cup quarter-final against free-scoring neighbours Hamble Club.

The Sydenhams One leaders are now on 101 league goals after a 4-2 result at Ringwood Town where James Thomson, Ricky Bull, Mike Byrne (penalty) and Nathan Lynch were on target.

Hamble remain seven points clear of Baffins Milton Rovers whose 5-0 home win over Folland Sports made it 102 league goals scored.

Follands did well to go in 0-0 at the break, but a half-time rocket from manager Louis Bell stirred Baffins into action.

Ryan Pennery, Callum Dark (2), Bobby Scott and Shane Cornish sent the Planemakers into a second-half tail-spin.

Baffins are also in Sydenhams League Cup last-eight action tomorrow at home to Hamworthy United.

The Hammers were turned over 3-0 at Lymington Town in the Sydenhams Premier at the weekend - Sam House (2) and sub Charlie Willett the scorers.