FAREHAM Town boss Pete Stiles regards Saturday's 3-1 victory at Team Solent as probably the best of the six wins in his eight unbeaten matches since taking over the Cams Alders hot seat.

An early header by Callum Laycock followed by two goals in three early second-half minutes swept Fareham to an impressive fifth straight win, writes MIKE VIMPANY.

“We played really well, looked solid in all areas and, but for their goalkeeper Lee Webber, might have scored six,” Stiles smiled.

“It was probably our best performance since I came in. The final 3-1 scoreline didn’t flatter us in any way. We were good going forward, compact everywhere.

“Team Solent are a good side, but we worked them hard and they were chasing us for most of the game.”

Stiles attributed Laycock’s 12th-minute opener to preparation work done on the training ground.

“We’ve done a lot of work on corners and set plays at training, so it was good to see it come off,” he added.

“We could have scored more than once in the first half, but Lee Webber pulled off some tremendous saves.”

How ironic Webber should play the star role against Fareham, for whom he played for 12 seasons immediately after the club’s Southern League heyday and for whom he is still a SWL appearance record holder.

Now 38 years of age, Webber spared Team Solent from a second consecutive Wessex caning – Blackfield & Langley having won 5-1 at Test Park seven days earlier.

When Simon Woods and Ash Tattersall added further goals to give Fareham a 3-0 lead early in the second period, prospects looked distinctly bleak for Team Solent.

But a string of fine saves from the evergreen shot-stopper – several of them in one-on-one situations – kept Fareham at bay.

A consolation goal by Jesse Waller-Lassen, direct from a free kick, gave Team Solent a sniff, but Fareham withstood late pressure, with Luke Douglas making his only real meaningful save at the foot of the near post from substitute Tyrell Mitford.

Stiles' 14th-placed side travel to Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the league tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm), while holders Team Solent face Hamble Club Reserves on Wednesday in a Southampton Senior Cup semi-final at Sholing's Universal Stadium (7.45pm)