Romsey’s Wessex League campaign got off to a flying start with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Ringwood Town last Saturday. A first half goal from centre back George Ockwell was added to by two late strikes from Robbie Stapleton and Harley Russell.

Town boss Andy Samuels rang the changes selecting just four players who appeared in his side’s 2-1 win at Fawley a few days earlier. Bartram (GK); Prisk, Ockwell, Madden, Wilson; Lamb, Holloway (C), Cole , Dunn; Jeffrey, Russell. Subs used: Beard, Stapleton, Hewson, Gibson & Earley.

The Bypass Boys started the game brightly and Geoff Dunn flighted in successive free kicks that kept the visitors’ ‘keeper Griffin on his toes, but it was Ringwood Town, fresh from an away win at New Milton, who had  the first real scoring opportunity when a well-placed Pothas blazed his shot over the bar. Miles Bartram then had to make a smart save to deny an effort by Rabin from Vint’s cross. There was a lengthy delay when an aerial collision between Alex Wilson and Ringwood’s Bradwell saw the latter  withdrawn with a head injury.

Josh Jeffrey sliced a close range effort over the bar, before Ross Lamb’s jinking run and cut back saw Harry Prisk’s goalbound shot deflected for a corner. Dunn’s outswinging delivery was met by a powerful header by George Ockwell to give his side a slender lead in added time.

Pressure on the Ringwood Town goal  (Image: Ian T Grainger)

The second half ‘s first chance fell to Jeffrey who glided past two defenders but dragged his shot wide with only the ‘keeper to beat. Ringwood were still posing a threat but Stapleton’s introduction from the bench midway through the half effectively turned the match in Romsey’s favour. A darting run by the elusive winger left defenders in his wake as he smashed an effort from twenty yards against the underside of the bar and despite the ‘keeper pawing the ball away the linesman signalled it had crossed the line to double Town’s advantage.

Stapleton was denied a second goal, when, from Dunn’s short corner, he fired in a shot across the face of gaol that needed a diving save by Griffin. Ringwood continued to press to gain a foothold, but Bartram and his back four stood firm and after repelling another attack it was Stapleton who set up Town’s third goal in the 82nd minute. He cut in from the left flank before squaring the ball to the unmarked Harley Russell whose clean left foot connection from twelve yards had the visitors’ net bulging.

Whilst the match was more evenly contested that the scoreline suggests, nonetheless Romsey were good value for the three points as they took on the division leaders in Wednesday night’s League match at New Milton Town. However, a three goals salvo by the hosts in the opening twenty minutes left Romsey reeling and despite a second half recovery that saw them narrow the gap to 3-2 and then 4-3, it was New Milton who emerged as 5-3 victors. Romsey will aim to get back to winning ways when AFC Aldermaston visit the AEC Protection Ground tomorrow (ko 3.00pm).