Mick Catlin refusing to write off AFC Portchester's Wessex Premier title chances despite defeat to high-flying AFC Stoneham

Steve Ramsey has his eyes on the ball. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (110120-52)

AFC Portchester manager Mick Catlin is remaining positive despite his side’s 2-1 home defeat to fellow Wessex Premier Division title hopefuls AFC Stoneham.

Although disappointed by the result, Catlin felt he couldn't fault his team’s display.

It is the second time in three weeks that the Royals have lost against teams challenging at the top - they had previously suffered a 1-0 home loss to table-topping Alresford on December 28.

Despite this, Catlin insists the Royals’ title chances shouldn't be written off.

AFC Portchester's Adam Cripps whips in a cross against AFC Stoneham. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (110120-57)

‘There are still 50 points to play for and it is still very much in the melting pot,’ said Catlin.

‘We just need to pick ourselves up and get on a winning run.

‘To be fair, Stoneham were well organised and it was a good game.

‘Both teams struggled in the conditions with a blustery wind making life very difficult.

Dan Wooden controls the ball. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (110120-49)

‘We had the wind behind us in the first half and Stoneham found it difficult to get out.

‘When they did, they scored against the run of play.

‘We managed an equaliser before half time but knew that we would be up against it in the second half.

‘After Stoneham went ahead again ten minutes after the break, we threw the kitchen sink at them.