That was the tale of Winchester's 3-1 win over London Edwardians - a scoreline which keeps the city club in contention in the Hants/Surrey Regional League promotion frame.

A 15th minute strike by the effective Justin Brooking, and debut first team goals by substitutes Simon King and Daily Echo October Player of the Month Charlie Swann gave Winchester the points.

But Dutch coach Merijn van Willgen, who left inspirational teenager Kevin Boniface on the bench, is uncertain whether Winchester have the clout to mount a serious promotion challenge.

"We are still searching to recapture our early form, but the Edwardians win proved we can produce the goods against the lesser sides.

"Whether we are strong enough to push the top teams remains to be seen," he said.

Steve Barber scored twice as Hamble Old Boys continued their surge away from the basement with a 2-0 win at Basingstoke.

Mark Wakefield created both Barber's goals, while Duncan Marsh, Dave Foster and Dave Kelly, who had a late penalty flick saved, all went close.

Andover are lurching towards a potential relegation fight after a 7-0 drubbing at Bournemouth, while Fareham just can't seem to get any consistency together.

Scott Shirley and Dave Cousens scored as they lost 3-2 to Eastcote and trail South Premier League leaders City of Portsmouth by eight points.

Steve Turnbull and Tom Boswell scored in Portsmouth's 2-1 win over Richmond, although keeper Ian Roland was the real hero, making a series of fine first-half saves.

Portsmouth's EHA Cup hopes ended with a 2-1 defeat by Beeston, but Havant are through to the last 16 after Sam Gilliatt, Mick Hayes and Andy Lloyd secured a 3-1 win over Purley Walcountians.