FA CUP heroes Lymington & New Milton warmed up for Saturday's crunch fourth qualifying round tie against Conference outfit Woking with an 8-0 demolition of lowly Hamble ASSC at Fawcett Fields.

The Linnets are enjoying a red-hot streak of form at the moment as this was their tenth consecutive win in all competitions which helped earn them the Daily Echo club-of-the- month award for September, presented before the game.

"We were excellent today but I know that they had quite a few players out injured as well. It was as convincing as the scoreline suggests and now it's all systems go for the FA Cup on Saturday," smiled Linnets' manager Ian Robinson.

Hotshots Darren Crook and Patrick James proved that they are ready for action by both plundering hat-tricks, a Paul Towler strike and an own goal completed their tally while the Linnets also saw Hamble keeper Nick O'Donnell save Ben Thomson's first-half penalty.

Leaders Winchester City were left frustrated after North Baddesley referee Paul French called off their home game against Hamworthy United just 15 minutes before kick-off.

"Both teams were happy to play but, if we'd had another heavy downpour then that might have finished it - we've certainly played in worse conditions," said Winchester secretary Ray Murphy.

Second-placed Gosport Borough took full advantage and closed the gap to three points - with a game in hand - by beating cellar-dwellers Downton 4-0 at Wick Lane. Borough led after 30 minutes when Danny Sturman headed in a Darren Robson free-kick and Neil Scammell made it 2-0 on 65 minutes with a superb header from Graham Lindsay's lofted cross.

A defence-splitting pass by Perry Holland released Scammell who added their third ten minutes later and Robson completed their tally by chipping the Downton keeper from the edge of the penalty area.

"It's a very pleasing result as we never do well here at Downton," smiled Gosport chairman John Stimpson. "I have to say that Downton didn't look like a side with no points at the bottom of the table."

Gosport's next two matches are away to AFC Newbury tomorrow evening and then they entertain Winchester City next weekend.

AFC Totton found themselves pointless from their last two outings against both Gosport and Winchester City but they returned to winning ways with a 4-1 home success against Portland United.

"It was about time," said relieved Totton manager Stuart Ritchie. "We should have got something from each of those two games but I guess that's football. However, we were comfortable winners today."

Steve Whitcher opened the scoring for Totton after 20 minutes from a Mark Osman cross and, although the Dorset side levelled through Ross Doidge ten minutes later, Osman was again the supply route for Steele Saunders to restore their lead just before half time.

Gareth Byers crossed for Whitcher to side-foot home Totton's third on 55 minutes with Saunders also grabbing his second goal of the game with a 20-yard free kick after 75 minutes.

Third-placed Andover also picked up maximum points with a battling 2-0 victory at Thatcham courtesy of two second-half strikes by Justin Bennett.

"Justin's been struggling a bit lately but he's stuck to the job in hand and has been rewarded today," said Andover boss Brian Le Boutillier. "I thought that the boys did very well today, especially in the second half, and we were well worth our victory."