Southern Table-topping Posset aiming to continue 'great run' at Melksham

DAVID Hewitt weighed up the enormity of a true purple patch for Portishead Town and declared: “We can surely only get stronger from here.”

- Simon PARKINSON

Portishead Town assistant manager David Hewitt

The North Somerset fliers hit new heights on Tuesday night, which had them and their supporters pinching themselves, as they seized pole position in Division One South following a 4-1 home victory over Bideford, thanks to a brace each for Ethan Feltham and Jack Thorne.

Posset, delighted to hold on to their lofty perch courtesy of second-placed Frome Town's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Larkhall Athletic 24 hours later, eye more joy tomorrow as they travel to take on a Melksham Town team stranded in the division’s basement with only two wins from 12 games.

Portishead’s star performer in midweek, from the bench too with the contest tied at 1-1, was one Callum Eastwood, the central midfielder having been snapped up on the eve of the game from local rivals Clevedon Town.

Kye Mountford’s men head to Melksham with five wins and a draw from six undefeated outings behind them, prompting assistant manager Hewitt to say: “We've had a great run.

“Our last three fixtures have been against top clubs Frome and Swindon Supermarine along with Bideford, who have been a mainstay in the Southern League for years now.

“Had you offered me the seven points we've got from those games a week ago, I'd have snatched your hand off for them.

“The lads in the changing room are buzzing and it feels like we can only get stronger.

“We're looking forward to the next run of games in a very busy November hoping it can continue?”

Of Eastwood's return to Bristol Road, Hewitt said: “It’s great to have him back. He got a huge cheer when he came on as sub on Tuesday. He's a crowd favourite and another Portishead lad.”

Will Justin cast enthusiastic eyes of his own over a latest Jacob Hodgson-led Bristol Manor Farm player influx and maintained: “We have real strength and quality here now”