Carter warns Moneys they must maintain top form at Bemerton

His side hold a seven-point lead at the top after demolishing Horndean 4-0 at Dover Road in midweek.

However, there can be no relaxing with the title in sight.

Hosts Bemerton will be targeting an upset tomorrow.

They have one of the most experienced managers on the Wessex circuit in Graham Kemp.

His side will be well organised and will be confident after winning in midweek.

Carter said: ‘We know Bemerton is never an easy place to come away from with anything.

‘The playing surface is good but it is a tight, enclosed venue.

‘We are going there, however, with pretty much all of our squad available.

‘My problem is not so much who to select but who to leave out.’

Carter wants them to make sure Moneys don’t give the chasing clubs any chance of pipping them at the post.

‘We have kept our nerve so far, even when our rivals have closed the gap,’ said Carter.

‘The way we tore Horndean apart was impressive and we seem to be getting better and better.

‘Horndean arrived as one of the in-form teams but they couldn’t match us.

‘I felt it was the best we have played in the last couple of months, particularly coming after a tough win at Hamworthy.

‘A number of the players were still suffering aches and pains after playing on the 3G pitch in Dorset.

‘Despite this they still put a massive shift in.

‘It was nice to open up a bigger lead at the top again.

‘The present situation puts all the pressure on the chasing clubs.

‘I don’t see why we can’t go on and finish the business

‘We are in good form, having won 17 of our past 18 games.

‘The best Portland can do is get to 99 points and we are on 91 at the moment.’

Carter points to the arrival of a number of new players midway through the season as the key to keeping things fresh.

Experienced pair Dan Wooden and Brett Poate, both signed from Gosport Borough, have had a big impact.

‘Bringing in a number of players has helped take us to the next level,’ said Carter.

‘It lifted everyone at the club.’

Moneyfields still have the threat of a three-point deduction hanging over them but have appealed against the decision.

The club insist they are innocent of fielding striker Ash Howes when the player was under suspension despite being found guilty by the Hampshire FA.

They have appealed to the Football Association and are awaiting their verdict.

Even if the appeal fails Moneyfields will still lift the title if they maintain their winning run.