SOUTHAMPTON Arms produced what was probably their best performance of the season when beating Hants Division Two side Hedge End 4-0 in their own back yard last Saturday to clinch a place in the last 32 of the Hants Intermediate Cup.

In control from start to finish, the outcome was never in doubt. Steve Turner set John Smith's pub team on their way and David Rhodes with his first ever goal in senior football had them in the driving seat at the break.

Relentless second-half pressure and two goals from the Payne brothers, Neil and Mark, earned the Arms a daunting trip to Hants Division One leaders Colden Common in the next round on 5 January.

Back on the league scene, Andy Hounslow's Ludgershall Sports increased their lead at the top of the table with a 7-0 spanking of local rivals Andover New Street 'A'.

Leading 4-0 at the break, Derek Tate bagged a hat-trick, two goals came from Pete Mort and the other scorers were Russell Evans and John Mort.

Phil Leeson's young Stockbridge Res side put up a spirited performance before losing 4-2 at home title-chasers RS Basingstoke Res. 'Bridge, who had chances to snatch a point but lacked that killer instinct in front of goal, went ahead with a goal from Daryl Vince but trailed 2-1 at the break.

The second half was a nip and tuck affair until late on when RS added a third goal. Craig Evans brought 'Bridge back into the game with seven minutes left with their second goal but RS made sure of the points with a fourth goal two minutes from the end.