Romsey TOWN were overhauled at the top of Wessex Division 2 by Lymington Town and Locks Heath after a tough draw on Saturday against a determined Hythe side who refused to give an inch..

This wan't the most entertaining of matches, but Romsey boss Trevor Holmes felt his side should have won it, particularly when Hythe went down to ten men after a first-half sending-off. Midfielder Dean Chapman was the man to see red - he threw the ball at Danny Belbin after a 50-50 challenge, drawing blood from the Romsey man's nose. Belbin, who raised his hands to defend himself, was shown the yellow card.

By that time Romsey were a goal down and chasing the game. Simon De'ath headed over from three yards and strike partner Paul Smith missed the target when well placed, but Hythe's Andy Lonsdale made no such mistake when Roger Maynard's corner wasn't cleared, prompting a goalmouth scramble.

Romsey fought back, and equalised five minutes before the break. Eddie Carlin was the provider with a quickly-taken free-kick, and midfielder Simon Woodley volleyed the ball into the back of the net with a sweetly-struck shot.

In the second half Hythe, understandably, worked hard to get behind the ball and preserve their point. Andy Fung probably had Romsey's best chance, but Hythe keeper Paul Cox was in defiant mood and made a string of good saves.

Even the loss of Cox to a late back injury didn't stop Hythe from hanging on for a point.

Romsey have no match this Saturday - scheduled opponents Andover New Street are in action in the North Hants Senior Cup.

Trevor Holmes has moved to strengthen his squad by lodging seven-day approaches for midfielder Neil Cawdron - currently struggling to get a game at Wessex Division 1 side Lymington & New Milton - and striker Dean Higgins, who has netted 14 times for Colden Common already this season.