CONSIDERING the wet weather the Bengers Lane pitch was in superb condition, thanks to groundsmen Dave Lawrence and Russell Cox.

Lyndhurst were the visitors and both sides provided an entertaining match with the hosts just shading victory thanks to a goal from top scorer Alan Bundy. Font, with a fit-again Alan Bundy leading the line, had the advantage of the slope in the first half, but for the opening twenty minutes neither side could force the breakthrough.

Lyndhurst went close on two occasions, striking the post both times and Font were glad to see skipper Kev Fryer clear the danger.

The home side were having plenty of possession and gaining numerous corners but not really capitalising.

In the 25th minute a goal came when Dave Kemp, chasing what appeared to be a lost cause, challenged the Lyndhurst keeper. His attempted clearance rebounded off Kemp, who then picked up the loose ball to fire home for Font.

Seven minutes from the interval the hosts doubled their lead when Bundy seized on a defensive error and accelerated away to beat the advancing keeper with ease.

The second half followed the same pattern, with both sides striving to attack. However, both defences were in determined mood with Font's Andy Fryer prominent.

Midway through the half things got a little too close for comfort for Font when they conceded a free kick twenty yards out.

Maidment's superbly flighted shot over the wall left Paul Fielder rooted to his line and helpless to prevent the ball entering the top corner of the net. Font then spurned two clear chances to seal the match but they continued to press.

This new league has had its critics, but is proving both competitive and entertaining. Virtually all of Font's matches have been close affairs, and at the moment the title could end up anywhere with most teams on par with one another.

This Saturday the Font 1st XI make the short trip to Wellow in the second round of the Hampshire Intermediate Cup, while the Reserves entertain Northend United in a Southampton Senior 2 League fixture at Bengers Lane. Both matches have 2pm kick-offs.