Romsey TOWN produced one of their best performances of the season in romping to a five-goal victory at mid-table Alresford on Saturday, writes Ian Henderson.

Striking pair Simon De'ath and Dean Constable scored all five goals between them. De'ath, in pole position to win the divisional 'golden boot' award, took his tally to 46 with a hat-trick while Constable, so often the unsung hero, weighed in with a brace.

Romsey were on their game right from the first whistle, De'ath carving open the home defence with a weaving run; but Alresford keeper Dave Witcher, who was excellent all afternoon, brought off the first of many saves.

Romsey had a firm grip in the middle of the park, and it wasn't long before De'ath, on another run into the Alresford box, was hauled down. He took the penalty himself, but hit the post and the ball rebounded to safety. But Town weren't bothered, and took the lead soon afterwards when Andy McIsaacs flaoted in a corner from the right. Constable's header was parried, but De'ath was on hand to tuck away the rebound.

Ten minutes later it was 2-nil when John Romero found Constable on the left by-line; he wriggled free and set up De'ath to score with a crisp volley.

The hosts had a good chance to get back into it just before the break when keeper Mike Hookway conceded a penalty in a goalmouth melee, but Hookway redeemed himself by saving low to the left and then scrambling away the loose ball.

In the second half it was Constable's turn to earn the plaudits. Simon Woodley and McIsaacs set the wheels in motion, and although the keeper parried Constable's first effort the big striker made no mistake with his second attempt.

Next, Constable was involved in a flowing move through the centre which ended with another crsip De'ath finish, and Romsey were four goals to the good. Alresford, becoming increasingly frustrated, had Grant Young sent off for a second bookable foul. A second red card followed for Phil Curtis's tackle from behind on Andy Kemp, who had battled hard all afternoon.

The result was already done and dusted, but Constable rounded off the scoring with a fifth goal from De'ath's pass.

In the closing stages Romsey brought on three subs - Liam Hanlon, Steve Carter and Matt Froukhians, all of whom got themselves involved and made a good impression.

Town have also added ex-Wellow player Sam Bennett to their squad, but he wasn't available due to work commitments.

Town play their penultimate league fixture of the season this Saturday, when Blackfield & Langley are the visitors to the Bypass Ground.