WITH Mottisfont winning well and Upham, their only rivals for the league title, failing to beat Winchester City, Font were duly crowned as league champions last weekend.

They were always in a strong position, and Upham's only hope of catching Font was for the league leaders to hit a disastrous spell in their final four games.

Font's disappointment at losing the Southampton Senior Cup final at St Mary's last week was not apparent when they faced Netley, and straight from the kickoff they showed their determination to maintain their title challenge.

Manager Martyn Thomas made five changes from last Wednesday's final side, emphasising how strong a squad Mottisfont have fielded this season.

The home side started strongly and after seven minutes scored their opening goal. The ball ricocheted around the Netley goal before falling to Nigel Cutler, who fired home from twelve yards. Shortly afterwards, the lively Guy Bewick got clear to add Font's second goal.

Although the home side kept up the pressure, the third goal didn't come until the half-hour mark was reached. Then, an inswinging corner from the right by Keith Smart flew directly into the visitors' goal before being cleared. While Netley protested that it had not crossed the line, referee Mr Saunders was perfectly placed, two yards away, to award the goal.

Shortly before half-time Colin Morris, who was given a roving role, got onto the scoresheet by adding Font's fourth goal, leaving the visitors an almost impossible task.

With the advantage of the slope in the second half and considering their first half dominance, one might have expected Font to run up a scoreline into double figures.

Little had been seen of Netley as an attacking force, but credit to them, they never gave in and a more even match developed in the final 45 minutes.

There was little fear that the visitors would overcome the Font defence to stage a comeback, and the home side extended their superiority with a further two goals from substitute Dave Kemp and a sixth from Alan Bundy.

This Saturday, Font play their final home match, against LL Basingstoke. Kickoff at Bengers Lane is at 3pm.

They conclude their league programme with an away fixture at Stockbridge Reserves on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1, (kick off time to be arranged).

Their final match of the season is the Trophyman League Cup Final on Wednesday, May 3 at the Aerostructures Ground, Hamble. Sporting BTC are Font's opponents in a 7.30pm kick off.