Romsey TOWN hot-shot Simon De'ath is within twelve of a magical 50-goal milestone for the season.

He bagged all three on Saturday, sweeping Romsey to a 3-1 win at Andover New Street and a comfortable fourth spot in the table.

Amazingly, De'ath has scored 38 of Romsey's 67 goals this season, but that's only four more than Blackfield & Langley's Neil Williams, who was on target in the 2-2 draw at Liss Athletic.

De'ath had been sidelined with a groin strain for a fortnight. But it didn't take him too long to display his predatory skills at New Street's Foxcotte Park headquarters. Midfielders Jamie Hookway,

John Romero and Simon Geddes quickly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, and only 15 minutes had elapsed when Dean Constable's partially saved shot was parried into De'ath's path by keeper Dean Hutchings for Romsey's opener.

Romsey, playing 3-5-2 this week, remained on top. The hard-working Constable came close to increasing their lead and Eddie Carlin, playing as sweeper in the absence of Paul King (working in London), struck the post on a rare foray forward.

In the second half Constable was again the provider. This time his cross was laid off by Jamie Hookway and De'ath made no mistake with a fine shot from the edge of the box.

De'ath's hat-trick goal was a gift-wrapped affair - a mis-kick by New Street keeper Hutchings, again under pressure from Constable, landed plum on his grateful foot for him to drag the ball back and score from a tight angle.

New Street, lying a nervy six points above the drop zone, scored a consolation goal through Adam McCarthy 15 minutes from the end. Ins and outs

There's news on comings and goings at the Bypass Ground.

Assistant manager Mark Dack has left the club, leaving manager Trevor Holmes in sole charge until the end of the season.

But on a brighter note midfielder Andy Kemp, who left to join Southampton League title challengers Nursling, has returned to Romsey.

He'll be available for Saturday's trip to Whitchurch United, but De'ath is likely to be missing due to work commitments.

Romsey Town are seeking a new Reserve team mana ger.Contact club secretary Garney Evans on 07843 569701 if you are interested.