Christchurch 1, Alresford Town 1

GUTSY Alresford Town banished the memory of the previous week’s 5-0 mauling at Portland by earning a precious point against the Premier Division’s form side on Saturday.

Lukas McCartney’s goal on 26 minutes cancelled out Jonathan Blake’s opener to ensure the Magpies left Hurn Bridge with a share of the spoils to maintain their useful lead at the top of a congested table – but they will be looking over their shoulders as they face their biggest rivals in a series of crucial games in the coming days.

The Magpies, who are winless in three games, still lead by six points, but nearest challengers AFC Stoneham have two games in hand while AFC Portchester, who Alresford face on December 28, are just seven points back in third place with three games in hand.

And in a tough spell which could define Alresford Town’s season, the leaders host eighth-placed Fareham Town at Arlebury Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before a crunch game with Stoneham to kick off the new year – with the Portchester game sandwiched in between.