Reds continue on hot recent streak
Eight straight league wins take Fareham clear at the top
FAREHAM TOWN opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Wessex Premier courtesy of a 3-0 derby win over Baffins Milton Rovers at Cams Alders last night.
The Reds chalked up an eighth successive league win in front of a crowd of 263 - their biggest of the season.
Manager Pete Stiles recently called for greater support from the community and his side's attractive, attacking football seems to be getting more supporters through the gates.
Goals from Josh Benfield, Gary Moody and substitute Casey Bartlett-Scott maintained their fine winning streak.
And it was perfect preparation ahead of table-toppers Fareham's trip to thirdplaced Lymington Town on Saturday.
Manager Stiles felt his side had come through a tough test well against Baffins.
But he believes Fareham stepped up in level when they needed to on the night to open up a gap at the top of the table.
‘The game was a bit stopstart but we knew Baffins would come here and battle,' said Stiles.
‘In spells we did really well and it was then that we did the damage.
‘I have to be happy with three goals, a clean sheet and a big crowd. We also hit the woodwork twice.
‘I wouldn't say it was our best performance, but when we put it together our little bit of quality showed.’
Fareham went in front after ten minutes when Josh Benfield scored after good work from star performer Ash Tattersall.
The home side extended their lead soon after half-time following an excellent move through the midfield.
Goalscorer Josh Benfield this time turned provider with a cross for Moody to score with a thumping header.
Substitute Bartlett-Scott sealed the win 14 minutes from time, converting a Calum Benfield cross at the far post.
Baffins' poor run of form continued and Shaun Wilkinson's side have now gone eight games without a win. And the Rovers boss lamented his side’s latest display.
‘I am very disappointed and angry,' said Wilkinson.
‘Fareham won't get an easier three points all season - they dominated us.
‘We were outfought, outworked and outplayed. They ended up battering us.
‘We didn't want to get near them or make a tackle.
‘All Fareham did were the basics and they ended up playing us off the park.
‘At the moment, we have too many who are technically very good but you have to have the hard work and commitment to go with it.
‘I am not getting that at the minute.’
- KEVIN RICKETTS