THERE was no place like home for leaders Farnborough North End and third-placed Otterbourne as they both won their vital top-of-the-table clashes in convincing style on Saturday.
Table-toppers North End nailed fourth-placed title rivals Paulsgrove 4-0, while third-placed Otterbourne closed the gap on their second-placed neighbours Colden Common to a single point following their stylish 3-0 success at Oakwood Park.
Farnborough extended their lead at the summit to six points at the expense of Paulsgrove who are now without a win since January and, in that time, the Portsmouth club have slipped from second spot down to fifth.
Sharp-shooter Steve Lloyd turned in his own personal Farnborough flair show with a superb second half hat-trick after he had provided the killer pass for Paul Xiberras to give the home side a 13th minute lead.
A stunning 25-yard drive by Adrian Delanougerade after 30 minutes set Otterbourne on the road to victory against fierce rivals Colden Common.
Midfielder Jim Bedford bagged his 26th goal of the season on the hour mark and Andy Harvey netted the Otters' third goal after 75 minutes.
"I'm delighted, we're right in the mix at the top of the table now," smiled Otterbourne boss Terry Chapman.
Paulsgrove's demise saw Fleetlands leapfrog them into fourth berth following their 4-0 romp at QK Southampton.
A well-struck shot by Paul Stanley fired the Gosport side into a third-minute lead that Steve Britten doubled before half time. Mark Peach netted his 38th and 39th goals of the season after the break to seal their victory.
The clash between seventh-placed Overton United and sixth-placed Hayling United fell victim to the weather as did Tadley's home clash with in-form Fleet Spurs.
Both Verwood Town and Laverstock & Ford came from behind to record 2-1 awayday victories at Hamble Club and Ordnance Survey respectively.
A 20-yard drive by Jimmy Murray put Hamble ahead against their Dorset visitors before Nick Dashwood levelled for Verwood after Peter Hunt's effort had hit the post. Hunt, who also hit the crossbar, stroked home their winner from the penalty spot on 35 minutes after Mark Beverley had been fouled in the area.
Ordnance Survey took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of Paddy Pritchard but Laverstock also had the points wrapped up before the break with replies from Elliott Wykes and reserve team striker Ben Reed.
Clanfield triumphed 2-0 at home against Ludgershall Sports and Micheldever drew 1-1 with Netley Central.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article