Romsey Town leapfrogged local rivals Stockbridge into fifth place of the Sydenhams Wessex League Division 2 table last night with a battling 2-1 success over their neighbours at the By-Pass Ground.

"It was a great peformance from us and a fantastic win," enthused Romsey boss Trevor Holmes.

"It proves that we can compete with the best in this league and, with everyone beating everyone else, hopefully we can look towards a top-six finish."

Stockbridge took the lead somewhat against the run of play through Gavin Flye midway in the first half, but Romsey replied on 55 minutes when a great through ball by Andy Kemp released Dean Constable who coolly slotted past the keeper.

Romsey grabbed their winner 15 minutes from time. The visitors' defence stood with their arms in the air appealing in vain for an offside flag as Eddie Carlin ran clear to fire home.

Ringwood Town manager Bob Lane labelled his team as "a bunch of quitters" after they lost at home 2-1 to Division 3 side Laverstock & Ford in their Wessex League Cup preliminary round clash at Long Lane.

"There's no quality and we are just not performing at the moment," sighed Lane.

"When Laverstock got back to 1-1 we looked a beaten team, they're a bunch of quitters I'm afraid."

Things look good for Ringwood when Mark Burrett gave the Foresters an interval lead but twin strikes by Martin Eyres after 63 and 78 minutes gave the Wiltshire side a surprise win.