OWEN ROUNDELL was delighted with a rare goal that set up Sholing’s 1-0 win at Newport IoW last night.

In a game short of chances, Roundell’s strike midway through the second half ensured the Boatmen headed back to the mainland with their sixth successive Sydenhams Premier win, writes Jack Prentice.

Pete Castle headed against the bar from Alex Sawyer's free-kick and the young defender rose highest among a crowd of players to head in the rebound.

With second-placed Blackfield & Langley due to visit the Silverlake Arena tomorrow (Thursday, 7.45pm), Sholing have set their sights on overtaking the Watersiders for runners-up spot.

Sholing, just a point behind Blackfield having played one game more, finish their season at Fawley on Saturday while B&L's campaign concludes at Whitchurch (Saturday) and at Fareham Town (May 5).

“Our goal is to go second so Tuesday was important,” said Roundell. “We needed those three points and it was a great win for us.

“We’ve got Blackfield to come and we can only concentrate on what we do. We can’t rely on Blackfield to drop points.

“We’ve got to do the best we can and see where we are after that.”

The young centre-half was happy to score a rare goal, but placed more importance on shutting out Newport at the other end.

“A clean sheet is a defender’s dream, so that was really important for us,” he said.

“Getting on the scoresheet is great too, but it’s all about the team performance.

“For the goal, it’s come back off the bar after a free-kick and I just stuck my head on it. They all count – I got a kick in the face too!”