TITLE favourites Paulsgrove are starting to feel the pressure at the top after stumbling to yet another defeat away at AFC Aldermaston on Saturday.

Paulsgrove, unbeaten in the league until mid-January, have now collected just one point from their last three outings and the Portsmouth club next face a crucial game at championship rivals Netley Central Sports on Thursday evening.

Goals in the opening 30 minutes from Steve Burgess and Nicky Black put the Berkshire side in command and, although Sid Sanderson reduced the deficit just before half time, Black bagged a last-minute third goal for Aldermaston.

While Paulsgrove appear to be losing their way, Laverstock & Ford put in their best performance of the season to return to the summit with a 4-0 home demolition of Tadley Calleva.

Nick Newman headed the Wiltshire side into a third-minute lead, Toby Giles added a second on 30 minutes with Ross Nicholl stroking in a third before the break. Elliott Wykes completed the rout midway through the second half.

On the down side, Laverstock now face a four-week wait before they play their final game of the season at promotion hopefuls Fleetlands who were soundly beaten 3-1 away at Overton United.

Two-goal Luke Walker (28+51) and Ashley Childs (79) did the damage for the home side, Lee Baldachinno replying late on for Fleetlands, while a Ben Trewin treble plus solo strikes by Paul Reeves and Paul Arnold saw third-placed Verwood nap Clanfield 5-1.