Romsey won the first league match they have played since November 8th, but Trevor Holmes' men were made to fight all the way by a determined Durley side.

The visitors' matchwinner was leading scorer Simon De'ath, who grabbed the winner just two minutes from the final whistle. Despite heavy overnight rain the Durley pitch was in good condition, and as soon as the game kicked off it was clear that neither side would be willing to give an inch.

Romsey, with the vastly experienced Jeremy Stagg and the powerful Andy Kemp in midfield, had the edge in terms of talent but Durley made up for that with hard running and determination. Lofty centre-back Ken Mould had an outstanding game, dealing comfortable with Romsey's aerial threat and also making timely tackles, while the the hard work of Chris Skilton, Stu Mason and Rob Tudgay kept the hosts in with a chance throughout.

Durley took the lead after 14 minutes, Skilton taking one touch to control Gavin Barfoot's cross and a second to drill it right into the bottom corner, beyond Dave Simpson's grasp.

Tudgay blocked a John Romero shot in front of goal as Romsey tried to get back in it. Stagg missed his side's best first-half chance by lofting his first-time shot over the bar (and the hedge) when set up by De'ath, and full-back Chris White also squandered a good opportunity, firing into the side netting when left unmarked.

Romsey equalised ten minutes into the second half, De'ath's cross-cum-shot from the right going in off the angle of bar and post.

After that both sides knuckled down, and the referee was kept busy jotting names in his notebook as both sides contributed some uncompromising tackles.

Mould, joining the Durley attack for set-pieces, twice came close to breaking the deadlock but it was De'ath who had the final say.

The Romsey sharpshooter made himself space at the far post as Jamie Hookway surged down the right. He rose unchallenged to plant a firm header past Andy Pont, who had no realistic chance of keeping it out.

The result keeps Romsey's hopes of promotion very much alive, while Durley can take comfort from the knowledge that they'll have to face few better footballing sides between now and the end of the season.