Kevin Reacord got AFC Totton's title challenge back into gear with a lethal, late lob at Gosport Borough last night.

Ian Robinson's men have gone three points clear at the top again after passing a crucial test in character against one of their main rivals.

Defeat at Lymington & New Milton on Saturday had raised questions about Totton's championship credentials.

They answered them with a timely 2-1 win at fourth-placed Gosport, which had assistant boss Richie Phippard enthusing: "We were excellent. The lads played their hearts out. We had to defend for long periods but we showed good character. Gosport battled hard but I think our desire to win was probably greater than theirs."

Totton went ahead in the opening minute from a Patrick James cross. Martin Whiddett claimed the last touch but there were suspicions of an own goal.

Graham Lindsey levelled with a 56th-minute header, but Borough were undone again ten minutes from time when keeper Mark Brown strayed a long way off his line and was coolly lobbed by Reacord.

"I still think the title's Andover's, but we've kept ourselves in it with that win," summed up Totton boss Ian Robinson.