WAYNE SHEPHERD'S 20th goal of the season snatched a 4-3 win for Trojans over Woking and set up a potential Hampshire/Surrey Regional League promotion decider at Stoneham Lane on Saturday

If Trojans can extend their 17-match unbeaten record and complete the double over second-placed Surrey side Epsom (3pm) - whom they beat 5-3 away in November - they will be virtually unstoppable.

Epsom, who caned Winchester 8-1 last weekend, can spoil Trojans President's Day party and blow the promotion race wide open by winning, putting Hamble right back in the frame.

Third-placed Hamble probably accept that their best chance of promotion lies with Trojans beating Epsom and winning the league.

Hamble would force an end-of-season play-off place against Kent, Sussex or Middlesex opposition by finishing runners-up.

That's why they plan to race back from their own match at Winchester on Saturday to cheer Trojans on against Epsom.

Trojans were a goal up in barely ten seconds at Woking but, having led 3-1 at one stage, had to hold off a determined fightback before Shepherd's drag flick won the day.

It was Duncan Stewart's interception that set up Dave Cheeseman for Trojans tenth-second stunner.

The goal had Trojans purring.

"We played some superb stuff after that and how we didn't score about five goals I'll never know," said coach Lindsay Hilton.

Woking refused to buckle and by half-time were back on level terms.

But Trojans cut loose after the break - Shepherd's drag flick making it 2-1 and Colin French scoring a third after a crisp passing movement between Craig Sommerville and fit-again Chris Wiseman.

That two goal blast would have finished most sides - but not Woking, who broke away to cut the deficit to 3-2 and then equalise from a penalty flick.

It almost went pear shaped at 3-3 - goalkeeper Steve Cole ushering a potential Woking penalty flick winner wide. But Trojans, bristling with character, went on to win - Shepherd's clincher a carbon copy of the early opener.

Once again Stewart provided the opening - and Shepherd lashed in the winner to send Trojans a step close to promotion.

Epsom were in awesome form against Winchester, however, rattling in five goals in the opening 30 minutes.

"Epsom had a golden day, with total mastery the entire length of the pitch," praised Winchester team manager Jon Player.

Winchester's solitary crumb of comfort came late on with an outstanding Andy Winnett solo effort.

Hamble scorched to a seventh successive win, thumping winless Old Cranleighans 10-2 at Satchell Lane. Steve Barber (4) and Ali Macoll, with his first club hat-trick, led the way for Hamble, who have been without Egyptian internationals Ezz and Hammoza for the past two weeks following a family bereavement.

Dave Kelly, Paul Barber and Mike Heaver completed the rout - and give a ray of hope to Southampton, who must beat OC's in Surrey this week if they are to stave off the increasing threat of relegation.

Southampton lost 1-0 to Reigate Priory.

It was payback time for Trojans 2nd XI, who reversed an early season 8-2 thumping from Staines to sink the Thamesiders with an eight-goal salvo at Stoneham Lane.

"It was a terrific performance," beamed goalkeeper Will Sadler. "Staines are third and that win has lifted us into fifth place -no mean achievement that."

Martin Gough and Glyn Treagus each scored twice for Trojans, with Martin King, Rob Miller, Steve Rhodes and Baget Singh Lalley notching a