THATCHAM Town manager Jason Braidwood is enjoying the view from the top of the Sydenhams Wessex League - their 3-1 home win against Brockenhurst on Saturday taking them four points clear.

"We'd heard before kick-off that Winchester City and Gosport's games had been postponed and, with Lymington and Newbury in the Vase, we knew that this was our big chance to put some pressure on those around us," said Braidwood.

Ian Davies hit the Brockenhurst woodwork in the first minute before opening the scoring with a low drive from the edge of the penalty after 15 minutes.

Alan Wright levelled for the Badgers just before half-time but the Berkshire side soon regained the lead when Bob McClay crossed for the SWL's leading scorer Davies to net his 25th league goal and 34 in all competitions this season.

Deadly Davies would have completed his hat-trick five minutes later but he was pulled down and Ashley Perry slotted in their third before the referee could whistle for the penalty award.

"Our best performance of the season," was how Wimborne Town secretary Peter Barham described the Magpies' 4-1 awayday victory at Andover that took them level on points with second-placed Winchester City.

Stuart Hussey got the Dorset side off to a flying start by scoring after six minutes and they doubled their tally midway through the first half when Scott Arnold's corner was turned into his own net by Glen Damon.

Vince Rusher crossed for Justin Bennett to pull one back for the Lions on 40 minutes, but Wimborne's Stuart Cooper hit a post before Arnold fired in their third after 48 minutes.

Stuart Cannie - red-carded last Saturday - put his spot-kick over the bar on the hour mark after he had been fouled, but Cooper latched onto a Marcus Oldbury through ball to make it 4-1 in the final minute.

Former Hamworthy United striker Karim Bannsaouda returned to haunt his old club with another goal for Bournemouth Poppies in their 2-0 victory at the County Ground. Michael Hayes was also on target for Sean Brooks' men.

Alton Town squandered a two-goal lead and two precious points in a 2-2 home draw with fellow strugglers Portland United.

A rasping 20-yard drive from Steve Poulton gave Alton the lead after 50 minutes and they seemed set for all three points when Graham Purser's cross was volleyed home by Richard McCann ten minutes from time.

But the visitors rallied with Ross Doidge scrambling in a goal five minutes later and Danny Cullen thumped in a last-gasp leveller after the home keeper's punched clearance dropped straight to his feet.

That result wouldn't have pleased bottom club Hamble ASSC, who lost 3-1 at home to Moneyfields.

Two Nicky Wyatt strikes (15 and 30) put the visitors in charge before Louis Langdown headed past the keeper to reduce the arrears right on half-time. Any hopes of the Planemakers salvaging a point disappeared when Danny Horrell netted from an 80th minute penalty.

"It was a poor performance and we didn't deserve to get anything from the game, we've got my old club BAT next Saturday and they're a great run at the moment," sighed Hamble boss Danny Bowers.

Indeed, BAT continued their excellent form with a battling 3-2 victory at second bottom Downton.

A James Roden penalty gave the Tobaccomen the lead on 30 minutes but it was cancelled by another spot- kick from Dan Newman in the 44th minute at Wick Lane.

Paul West's low cross was converted by Richie Gregory to restore BAT's lead after 56 minutes only for the Robins to rally again through Matt Guy.

Eastleigh loan striker Barry Mason sealed the points for the visitors with a superb strike across the keeper from 18 yards.

Seventeen-year-old Marvin McClean put VT FC on the road to a 2-1 home success against Christchurch, who equalised before half-time through Danny Stowe.

But Gary Male grabbed the points with an 80th minute penalty after substitute Stewart Beck had been brought down following his first touch.