ALRESFORD Town have signed Luke Neller from Sydenhams Premier Division rivals Blackfield & Langley.

The midfielder made his debut at home to Portland United last night, but things didn't go as planned for the Magpies as the third-placed visitors reeled off their 12th straight league win, 2-0.

The Blues took the lead on 40 minutes when an Alex Halloran free-kick found Lewis Whyton, who managed to escape his marker to head home.

They sealed the victory shortly after the hour when Darren Watts fed the ball through for Ed Bastick to loft home.

Portland manager Gary Bailey was delighted with the professional display served up by his team.

“Our defence were just excellent, they kept Alresford at arm’s length and made them resort to long balls over the top which we mopped up and dealt with really well," he said.

"But it isn’t just the back four. The midfielders and forward players play a part too with their energy levels and closing down.

"They’re an honest bunch and they work really hard for each other. When you’re up in the mix, my job is easy. The only hard part is picking a starting 11.”

The Blues travel to relegation-battling Fawley AFC on Saturday (3pm), and Bailey says his squad are feeling positive.

“We’ve earned the right to be confident, but that confidence can’t slip into complacency - that’s the biggest danger when you’re in one of these runs," he warned. 

Alresford, sixth, head to eighth-placed Lymington Town on Saturday.

Lymington were also on the end of a midweek defeat, upset 2-1 at home by lowly Cowes Sports.

Tim Stephenson opened the scoring for Lymo, but Jason Malcolmson levelled midway through the first half and ex-AFC Totton man John McKie hit the visitors' winner.