ALRESFORD Town continue to make up ground on the Sydenhams Premier Division’s top six.

The Magpies are just a point behind sixth-placed Team Solent after condemning AFC Portchester to a third straight league defeat at Arlebury Park on Saturday.

Graham Rix’s Royals took the lead with a Steve Ramsey penalty conceded by Chris Mason, but the Magpies hit back with a sweet passing move finished off by Tom Sands.

The second half could have gone either way, but it was Alresford who emerged 2-1 winners when Sam Burt converted sub Geoff Dunn’s cross.

Fifth-placed Portchester head to Havant & Waterlooville tomorrow evening (7.45pm) for a Portsmouth Senior Cup semi-final.

Alresford host Shaftesbury on Wednesday (7.45pm) in a delayed Sydenhams Wessex League Cup third round tie which takes the winners to Bashley in the quarter-finals.

On Saturday Alresford are letting fans in FREE for their league showdown with Hamworthy United.