NEWCOMERS Headley and Ludgershall are blazing a trail for the others to follow and are in first and second places respectively at the top of the NHL, Winchester Castle Res slipped at Ludgershall Sports and drop a place to joint third with New Street 'A' whilst King's Somborne just behind but with two games in hand on the rest of the pack (reports Jim Johnston).

ABC United rocked league leaders Headley with an early goal from Brendan Clarke but it proved to be just a consolation for John Smith's side as they crashed 6-1 at home to the table-toppers and Ludgershall were equally impressive with a 5-1 roasting of Winchester Castle Res at Astor Crescent with Ryan McDonald hitting a sparkling hat-trick.

Ludgershall rated the win their best performance of the season and their other goals came both came from Matt Lawrence.

King's Somborne crushed Sutton Scotney 5-1 away but it was not until the second half that Somborne got their act together. The first half ended goal-less but the second period was a one-sided affair with player-manager Terry Harfield setting Somborne on their way and Michael Jackson rapped a hat-trick before Harfield completed the rout.

Sutton Scotney for all their endeavour only managed a late consolation from Lee Kirby with a cross-cum-shot.

New Street 'A' ran out 5-0 victors at Broughton Res but the final scoreline belied a close local derby. Shevron Fisher slotted Street's third string ahead on the stroke of half time and Paul Smith stroked in the second from the penalty spot on the hour. Broughton battled to the end but Street's superior finishing told with further goals coming from Matt Story, Robbie Swayne and a second from Fisher.

Hants FA secretary-elect Laurence Jones was the guest of the North Hants FA held a dinner at the Red Lion in Clanville last Friday night, an event which North Hants chairman Keith Wyatt hopes will become an annual event.

Jones takes over from Hants FA secretary Ray Barnes when he retires next March.