BYRON Mason picked a good day to join Sholing’s elite ‘400 club.’

The Boatmen’s skipper marked his 400th game for the Portsmouth Road outfit by inspiring the side to a convincing 3-0 home win over high-riding AFC Portchester in the Sydenhams Premier Division – the visitors’ first league defeat since August 26.

Sholing’s midfield powerhouse joined teammate Kev Brewster in reaching the milestone and both players were congratulated on the achievement by club president Bill Boyle before kick-off.

Mason’s younger brother Dan opened the scoring with his 29th goal of the campaign, beating Lyall Beazley with the aid of a slight deflection four minutes before half-time.

Portchester were awarded a penalty on the hour when Pete Castle was adjudged to have pushed ex-Winchester forward Geoff Dunn. But Joe Bye skewed the spot kick two feet wide of Ryan Gosney’s left-hand post and that miss proved to be a pivotal point of the game.

The introduction of the third Mason brother, Barry, gave Sholing fresh impetus and they took the lead just eight minutes after Bye’s glaring miss.

Teenage striker Nick Yeomans cleverly pick-pocketed defender George Wells on the right and delicately slotted the ball beneath Beazley.

Barry Mason put the gloss on the scoreline with Sholing’s third on 84 minutes, leaping between two defenders to head home 17-year-old winger Jake Hoole's cross.

Admitting the penalty miss was a turning point, Sholing boss Dave Diaper said: “Had that gone it, it could have changed the outcome. But the lads played well and deserved the win.

“This is a transitional period for us, but kids like Nick Yeomans and Jake Hoole have come in and served us well, while the senior players have put shifts in.

“Kev Brewster and Byron Mason has both reached 400 games and Marvin McLean's not too far off his 500th club appearance.

“Lads like Byron, Kev, Marv, Barry and Lee Webber, who’s still signed on as a keeper, have been great for us. They give us stability and consistency - key words in any club’s success.”

Sholing remain sixth, seven points clear of their next two opponents. Cowes Sports visit the Silverlake Arena tomorrow (Tuesday, 8pm) and on Saturday the Boatmen head for Team Solent.

“They’re all tough games, said Diaper. “I was quite impressed with Portchester, I enjoy playing teams like that. They’re quite a developed team, whereas we’re not, and it’s good to see our youngsters tested against them.”