MONEYFIELDS have opened up a three-point gap at the Sydenhams Premier Division summit.

Even with ten senior players watching on from the sidelines, Moneys dug deep for a 3-1 win over Bashley at Dover Road.

The Portsmouth outfit’s opening half-hour was described as “probably the best we’ve played all season” by assistant boss Mat Jones, who took charge in the absence of manager Dave Carter.

Moneys used their time in the ascendancy to go 2-0 up with a pair of Dan Hayes headers from set-pieces.

But Hayes was then guilty of conceding a 35th-minute penalty and, although goalkeeper Derek Harding kept out Hugh Dathan’s spot kick, Kabba Jack pounced on the follow-up for 2-1.

Alex Shephard restored Moneys’ two-goal advantage midway through the second half and any hope of a Bash fightback was sunk in the closing stages when the Foresters had Chris Lucas sent off.

Moneys tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm) host Lymington Town in the Russell Cotes Cup first round.

Lymington also go into the tie on the back of a 3-1 league win.

They overcame Fareham Town at Southampton Road through Sam House (2) and Tim Stephenson. Sub Leigh Shadbolt notched for Fareham in the 79th minute.