Nadine Devereux got in where the sticks were flying to earn Trojans a 1-0 win over Sutton Coldfield and a place in the last 16 of the EHA Women's Knockout Cup.

Devereux's bravery not only clinched a February fourth round home tie against Epsom - but also a key

victory in their bid to turn around what has so far proved a winless baptism in the Premier League's top flight.

"Hopefully, it will prove a turning point in Trojans' season," reflected team manager Lou Carter.

"Sutton Coldfield are down there with us at the bottom of the league and to beat them may prove a significant morale booster when we resume the league programme in the new year. They are our next opponents too."

The soggy, dank conditions - the entire lunchtime game was played under the Wellington floodlights - were never conducive to a fast-flowing match and so it proved, with chances at a premium throughout the opening half.

Trojans were denied a ninth minute boost when a strike by Kath James was disallowed.

But seven minutes into the second half - and shortly after Claire Glover had pulled off two crucial saves - they got the all-important goal.

James got the move rolling with a ball down the right. Ali Wakefield picked out Tamsin Pascoe on the right baseline and Nadine Devereux dived in amid a sea of flying sticks to poke home the winner.

She emerged from the melee with a broad smile - beneath a badly-swollen top lip.

"I feel as though someone has punched me in the mouth, but it was worth it," she said.

Trojans had to soak up continuous late pressure from the Midlanders, but England prospect Stef Farmer and Heather Beatty blotted out the menace of former Great Britain sharpshooter Jane Sixsmith.

Epsom, who visit Trojans on February 2, are currently unbeaten and top of South League Division 1.

Earlier this season they were held 2-2 by Southampton, who got off to a flying start at West Witney, with Ali Omell celebrating her farewell game in style by smashing home a Naomi Dunn cross.

But, despite playing some cultured hockey and going close through Jo Edmondson, Southampton were unable to hold on to their early advantage.

By half-time they were 2-1 behind - only to be frequently denied after the break by the Witney goalkeeper, who had an outstanding game.

Second half goals by Kathryn Raw and Bex Sharr gave Southampton II a 2-0 win over New Milton.

Trojans crushed Fareham 8-1 in the top v bottom Hampshire League, Division 2 clash - the Stoneham club having raced into a 6-0 interval advantage.

Trojans goals came from came from Izzy Cochrane (2), Emma Cockerill, Debbie Stupple, Georgie Cornick, Louise Oakley, Denise Lulham and first team coach Tamsin Pascoe.