VT FC boss Dave Diaper insists his side must match the work ethic of table-topping AFC Totton if they are to snatch the leadership away from the Stags.

Saturday's slender 1-0 home victory over Christchurch means that if the Boatmen win all eight of their remaining league games - including clashes with the top two, Totton and Wimborne - the Sydenhams Premier title and possible promotion will be theirs.

But Diaper is acutely aware that while he possesses one of the most gifted technical teams in the division, they are still overshadowed by Stuart Ritchie's Totton where work ethic is concerned.

While the other title contenders, Wimborne, Poole and Bournemouth, all dropped points on Saturday, Totton ominously chalked up their seventh successive victory 3-1 at Bemerton to power six points clear at the top.

Having played more games their rivals, Ritchie's men can still be overtaken, but Diaper said: "I still fancy Totton as favourites.

"They went to Hamworthy last Wednesday and had a man (Mat Jones) sent off at 0-0 and still came away 2-0 winners.

"That says it all to me.

"They also went to Moneyfields, lost a two-goal lead, but came back to win it 3-2, which shows a lot of character.

"We're a better footballing side than Totton, but they're better than us at grinding out results. They've got a better work ethic than we've got.

"A couple of months back I said we'd have to be mentally strong to stay in the title race, but one of the biggest problems we've had is some of the long lay-offs between fixtures.

"When you're already behind in games and then you see Totton playing again and getting another three points, it's difficult to cope with."

With the worst goal difference of the top four clubs, VT might have fancied their chances of giving the goals for' column a boost against a Christchurch side whose 4-1 midweek collapse against Brockenhurst had prompted hurt manager Graham Kemp to accuse his players of "sucking the confidence and enthusiasm out of the club."

But, having squandered the chance to go 2-0 up when Warren Hunt fired a penalty wide after a quarter-of-an-hour, VT's performance fell away in the second half as they were left clinging uncomfortably to a seventh-minute Barry Mason strike, teed up by Hunt.

Admittedly the wretched weather conditions didn't help, but it was curious that both sides produced their better football playing into a bitterly cold wind that brought with it a hailstorm followed by a flurry if snow.

"The conditions dictated play," said Diaper. "The problem we had was that we put in so much effort playing against wind, hail and snow and God knows what in the first half that we lost a bit of shape.

"Missing the penalty was the turning point. Warren Hunt only took it because our normal penalty taker, Ryan Ashford, was out injured.

"If we'd gone two up I think we would probably have gone on to win by four or five but at 1-0 Christchurch were always in with a shout.

"If they'd pulled one back, I'd like to think we would have reacted, but the longer the game goes on a 1-0 you tend to be a bit withdrawn and defend what you've got."

Although Christchurch looked the more determined team in the second half, they were indebted to their agile keeper, Jason Collins, for brilliantly keeping Lee Bright's header out of the top corner in the 72nd minute.

But as the minutes ticked by, the more you felt a surprise equaliser could be on the cards and it almost came three minutes from time when Marc Burrows set up fellow Priory sub Paul Rideout for an acrobatic volley which was headed to safety by Kevin Brewster.

VT will require more ruthlessness in a tricky run-in which sees them travel to Poole Town (April 12) and entertain Wimborne (April 15) before hosting a potential title decider against Totton at Portsmouth Road on April 26.

"I've got no major concerns about playing the top three sides because I know our players will be mentally right for the big games," said Diaper. "We've already beaten them all, except Poole."

"But I think these guys are deliberately going to make it hard for me by taking it to the last day of the season. It's alright for them - they're not in the technical area kicking and heading every ball like I am!"

Diaper will be hoping to avoid more touchline torture away to neighbours Hamble ASSC tomorrow (7.45pm). Goalkeeper Scott O'Rourke is doubtful with a back injury and Diaper will not risk ex-Saint Ashford unless he fully recovers from a calf niggle.

VT FC: Scott O'Rourke (Matt Brown, 81), Kevin Brewster, Sam Wyeth, Adam Camfield, Lee Bright, Liam Green, Dean Blake (Jack McCarthy, 87), Kevin Gibbens, Warren Hunt, Barry Mason (Jamie Musselwhite, 67), Marvin McLean. Subs: (not used) Tyronne Bowers, Ed Barnes-Andrews.

Christchurch: Jason Collins, Ross Walliss, Colin Dand (Dan Taylor, 56), Steve Linpow, Dan Crutchley, Ryan Woodford, Andy Borthwick, Martin Lawrence (Paul Rideout, 76), Russell Cooke, Zach Glasspool (Marc Burrows, 51), James Burden. Subs: (not used) Paul Manning, Lloyd Jenvey.

Referee: Casamir Nzenga (Cosham).

Attendance: 60