Fareham Town continue flying form as they open up gap at top of Wessex Premier with derby win over Baffins Milton Rovers

Fareham Town opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Wessex Premier courtesy of a 3-0 derby win over Baffins Milton Rovers at Cams Alders.
Gary Moody found the net for Fareham Town against Baffins. Picture: Keith WoodlandGary Moody found the net for Fareham Town against Baffins. Picture: Keith Woodland
Gary Moody found the net for Fareham Town against Baffins. Picture: Keith Woodland

The Reds chalked up an eighth successive win in front of a crowd of 263 - their biggest of the season.

Manager Pete Stiles recently called for greater support from the community and his side's attractive, attacking football seems to be getting more supporters through the gates.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Goals from Josh Benfield, Gary Moody and substitute Casey Bartlett-Scott maintained their fine winning streak.

And it was perfect preparation ahead of table-toppers Fareham's trip to third-placed Lymington Town on Saturday.

Manager Stiles felt his side had come through a tough test well against Baffins.

‘The game was a bit stop-start but we knew Baffins would come here and battle,' said Stiles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘In spells we did really well and it was then that we did the damage.

‘I have to be happy with three goals, a clean sheet and a big crowd. We also hit the woodwork twice.

‘I wouldn't say it was our best performance, but when we put it together our little bit of quality showed.’

Fareham went in front after ten minutes when Josh Benfield scored after good work from star performer Ash Tattersall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The home side extended their lead soon after half-time following an excellent move through the midfield.

Goalscorer Josh Benfield this time turned provider with a cross for Moody to score with a thumping header.

Substitute Bartlett-Scott sealed the win 14 minutes from time, converting a Calum Benfield cross at the far post.

Baffins' poor run of form continued and Shaun Wilkinson's side have now gone eight games without a win.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rovers boss admitted he is not happy with how things are at present.

‘I am very disappointed and angry,' said Wilkinson.

‘Fareham won't get an easier three points all season - they dominated us.

‘We were outfought, outworked and outplayed.

‘They ended up battering us.

‘We didn't want to get near them or make a tackle.

‘All Fareham did were the basics and they ended up playing us off the park.

‘At the moment, we have too many who are technically very good but you have to have the hard work and commitment to go with it.

‘I am not getting that at the minute.’

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.