Ex-US Portsmouth striker scores on debut as Meon Milton take another huge step towards Mid-Solent League title glory

Holmes grabbed the opener in a 2-0 home victory over rock bottom Stubbington, with Jagjit Singh doubling the lead in the second half.

With Mob Albion losing 2-0 to Portchester Rovers, Bickram Singh’s side are now nine points clear at the top.

If Mob win their remaining four games, Meon will need just four points from their last four games to be crowned champions. If Mob draw their re-match with Portchester next weekend, Milton will need just three points - and that’s if Rovers win their last three games.

Without a game next Saturday, Meon return to action against FC Strawberry – now up to second after beating Burrfields 1-0 – on May 8.

Milton’s season is due to finish on May 22 with a double header - the only one in Division 1 since lockdown restrictions were eased - at Eastney Barracks against Portchester.

Boss Singh was unimpressed with Milton’s seventh win in eight Division 1 matches.

‘The game wasn’t so good,’ he reported. ‘We didn’t play, we didn’t perform.

‘The pitch was rock hard, but no excuses - we just weren’t at the races.

‘We got the result, but we just didn’t do enough as a team - we always wanted to take one more touch.

‘We didn’t raise our game - we dropped our usual levels.’

Holmes was a regular scorer for US Portsmouth in Division 1 of the Wessex League around a decade ago, spending several seasons at the Victory Stadium. He was part of the squad that finished third in 2009/10.

‘He looks a good player,’ said Singh. ‘I’ve been looking for a centre forward all season.’