SYDENHAMS Premier Division leaders Alresford Town are assured a top-two finish for the second season running following yesterday's 2-0 win at AFC Portchester.

The Magpies are three points ahead of chasing Sholing having played four games more and, realistically, they will be hard-pushed to cling onto top spot.

But goals by Warren Bentley and Dan Strange at Wicor Rec have pushed their points tally into the 90s – something they couldn’t quite manage in 2012/13.

Bentley stabbed home the opener on 15 minutes – his 53rd goal of a prolific season, having scored twice against Reading Town last Thursday to help book the Magpies’ ticket to the Aldershot Senior Cup final.

The master marksman was also involved in Alresford’s 47th-minute second – Portchester ’keeper Jon Webb getting a hand to his volley and the ball dropping for Strange to whip home. Alresford’s reward for their 3-0 win at Reading Town is an April 30 trip to Aldershot Town’s Recreation Ground home to face either Camberley Town or Ash United in the ASC final.

At the other end of the Sydenhams Premier table, Fawley AFC failed to capitalise on their final game in hand over their fellow relegation strugglers.

The Oilers were beaten 3-0 at home by Whitchurch United – Louis Macey, Nic Turpin and sub Alex Pickering doing the damage.

With just two games to play, Fawley – home to Totton & Eling tomorrow – remain second to bottom, two points behind Downton. Bottom club Romsey - home to Winchester City tomorrow and at Verwood on Saturday – are a point behind Fawley and still have a mathematical chance of staying up.