Stockbridge survived a few scares to bank three useful points against an Aldermaston side who, once again, looked better than their league position would suggest.

When Stocks visited the AWRE for a cup match earlier in the season they needed a penalty shootout to squeeze through, and although they found the net regularly enough this time round they were shipping goals at the other end almost as quickly.

Despite the absence of regulars Paul Barnard and Simon Poultney Stocks started strongly, and took the lead from a Lewis Bain penalty awarded for hand-ball after 20 minutes.

Five minutes later Charlie Spencer made it two with his right foot, and visiting keeper Alan Ralph was virtually a spectator until the 44th minute - when he had to pick the ball out of the net after a goalmouth scramble.

Aldermaston made it 2-2 early in the second half, but although an own-goal from a Bain corner restored Stocks' lead briefly, it wasn't long before the hosts grabbed a third equaliser.

Ryan Boare then woke up; the speedy wide man had made little impact so far, but he then produced a scorching run, cutting in from the right to fire a superb shot beyond a helpless keeper.

Spencer then broke free on the left, and Joel McCormack headed his cross home for the fifth to put the result, at last, beyond doubt.

Stocks are away to another struggling side, Fawley, on Saturday and entertain Whitchurch United on Wednesday night.