Trojans lead the Hampshire/Surrey Regional League on goal difference from Bournemouth after player-coach Julian Archer struck twice to salvage a 2-2 draw with Barnes on Thameside.

The Stoneham club's seven-match unbeaten start appeared under serious threat when the Surrey side forged an early 2-0 lead.

But two moments of magic by Trojans' coaching guru wiped out the deficit.

Evergreen Archer, who spends most of his time these days pulling the strings from the sidelines, cut the Barnes lead with a slick reverse stick strike.

Early in the second period, Archer repeated the dose - equalising from close range after some superb ball skills by Suni Bolina.

With Chris Rhodes driving the midfield and Craig Sommerville running the show up front, Trojans pressed for a winner, but despite the efforts of Wayne Shepherd had to be satisfield with a 2-2 draw.

Bottom-of-the-table Andover, still without a point, gave it their best shot against joint leaders Bournemouth but were eventually beaten 3-1 at Chalton.

Andy Winnett got Andover's equaliser, but two second-half goals gave Bournemouth victory - and a niche alongside Trojans at the top.

"Had we played all season like we did against Bournemouth, we wouldn't be bottom now," said Andover midfielder Glyn Hacker.

With Bournemouth and Trojans to play in the next fortnight, sixth-placed Hamble Old Boys are likely to have a major influence on the leadership race before the Christmas break.

Beaten only once in eight league and cup games, Hamble trimmed sliding Winchester 3-1 at King's School.

Duncan Marsh opened Hamble's account with a dipping drag flick, but spent an anxious time looking on as Winchester stepped up the tempo, only to squander a hatful of chances.

Winchester eventually equalised through their Dutch player/coach Merijn van Willigen, who is still baffled why his side are faring so poorly.

"We are a better side than last season, but have slipped way into the lower reaches of the table.

"We have the capability of doing a lot better and our position in the table doesn't reflect the ability this young side has on the park," he ruefully reflected.

But the game didn't go Winchester's way as Steve Barber twice pounced in the second half to give Hamble the points.

His first goal, which gave the Old Boys a 2-1 advantage, followed a fine save by Craig Falkingham from Marsh and his clincher - five minutes from time - after Mike Heaver had sent a long elevated pass to Marsh, who set up the goal.

The fact that Hamble goalkeeper Steve Chalcraft was made man of the match underlined how close Winchester had come to ending their recent lean run.