HORNDEAN and AFC Portchester are still setting the pace at the Sydenhams Premier Division summit.

The Deans head their Portsmouth area neighbours on goal difference following a 3-1 win at Bemerton Heath Harlequins (Tom Roberts), courtesy of Nathan Kirby (2) and Robbie Tambling.

It was a significant win for Horndean against the previous 100 per centers Harlequins and manager Dave Carter said: “There is great belief and a confidence in our squad which allowed us to boss the game.”

Like Horndean, Graham Rix’s Portchester have taken ten points from their first four games – their latest success coming with a 2-0 home win over Hamworthy United.

Luke Sweeney bagged both Royals’ goals, first firing home amid a 65th-minute goalmouth scramble and then capitalising on good work by Joe Noakes ten minutes later.

Weather-permitting, table-topping Horndean will get the opportunity to extend their lead tomorrow (Tuesday) when they welcome Alresford Town to Five Heads Park.

The Mapgies are licking their wounds after a heavy 4-0 defeat at Newport IoW on Saturday.

A much-changed Alresford side, missing Ben Dexter, Tom Donaldson, Ben Stanbrook and John Howard, coped reasonably well for half an hour at St George’s Park until Ashley Gulliver fired Port ahead.

The visitors came close to levelling when Liam Magee’s shot was headed off the line by Liam Triggs, but Newport rammed their advantage home after the break.

Substitute Josh Maloney made a huge impact with two late goals – one from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by ’keeper Gary Morrison - and then fellow sub Scott Sampson crowned victory with a far-post header.

Newport tomorrow (Tuesday, 8pm) host fourth-placed Moneyfields who overwhelmed Verwood Town 5-0 at Potterne Park through Toby McCauley (3), Steve Hutchings and Conor Bailey.