Ballyclare's Gareth Maybin is just one stroke off the lead entering the final round of the $100,000 Ocala Open in Florida.

The Challenge Tour player fired a second successive six-under par 66 at Candler Hills Golf Club to head into Friday's third and last round hot on the heels of leader Travis Hampshire.

Pace-setter Hampshire blasted an eight-under par 64 to lead on 13-under par with Maybin alone in second place on 12-under in the 54-hole Florida Professional Golf Tour event north of Orlando.

Four players are tied for third on 10-under par with Australian PGA Tour player Brenden Pappas lurking dangerously a shot further back.

The winner will bank a cool $20,000.