IN-FORM Whitchurch United kept up the heat on the top three with a stunning 4–0 win at Wessex League Division One leaders Cowes Sports.

United had to withstand a first-half onslaught and had goalkeeper Tom Hindmarsh to thank for saving a penalty.

But Sam Argent broke the deadlock for the visitors with his seventh goal in his last nine games and Ashley Childs came off the bench to score twice, before Nick Jupp completed the rout.

United have now scored 17 goals in their last three league games, including a 9–0 victory against Amesbury – and now sit just seven points behind leaders Cowes Sports with a game in hand.

Manager Jim Macey said: “They battered us for a lot of the first half and we were fortunate to nick a goal and go in to half-time with a 1-0 lead.

“Tom has saved 11 of the 15 penalties he has faced, which is an incredible record. Then Ashley has come on and we’ve managed to grab another couple.

“I think 4–0 flattered us but I’m not complaining. It was a terrific result and we’ve put ourselves in a great position now. Scoring four and keeping a clean sheet away from home is a big plus.”

The win sees Whitchurch move to within just one point of second-placed Brockenhurst and they face rock-bottom Hythe and Dibden at Longmeadow on Saturday, looking to make it six league wins on the bounce.

Macey admits his side are in with a chance of challenging for the title.

He added: “I’ve tried to stop the lads talking about the title as I want to keep their feet on the ground but we have put ourselves in a good position to challenge the sides above us and we’re full of confidence at the moment.”

Whitchurch won again on Tuesday night, beating Fleet Town 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with Luke Walker and Pa Touray getting the goals, to reach the North Hampshire Senior Cup final.