ROMSEY cruised to a comfortable 5-1 away victory over league newcomers Ash United as they seek to reignite their challenge for a top five play-off spot.

The leafy surroundings on the edge of Aldershot and a near perfect pitch bathed in warm autumn sunshine proved to be the perfect setting for a near flawless performance from the Bypass Boys.

Charlie Rattley notched his second hat-trick of the season and goals from Liam Magee and substitute Harry Prisk gave Town a nap hand with the hosts only managing a late consolation goal, writes Tony Galsworthy.

Town were without the suspended striker John Cole but were pleased to welcome the return to the commanding presence of Oliver Jenkins in midfield. In the opening twenty minutes, although Town enjoyed more possession it was the hosts who created the only scoring opportunities. Town ‘keeper Valero got down low to save from the lively Aubrey-Simpson before Wilson squandered a chance to put Ash ahead.

Romsey were showing more composure on the ball and their overlapping full backs Mark Fawley and Alex Wilson proved to be a constant threat. It was little surprise when Magee fired Town into the lead in the 30th minute with a crisp finish from close range after Rattley had beaten his marker and laid on an inviting pass. Soon it was 2-0 as Wilson sets up Jenkins to cross the ball to Rattley who despite having a defender in close attention was able to tap the ball into the net.

The second half brought no respite for the hosts’ defence as fine work from Rattley sets up a Magee strike which the ‘keeper saved, and Jenkins was denied on the rebound for corner from which he saw his glancing header go just wide. Rattley was in the thick of it and watched in disbelief as his curling long range was denied a goal by the crossbar. An astute pass from Fawley saw Prisk race clear of a static defence and deftly lob the onrushing ‘keeper to make it 3-0 in the 70th minute.

Next it was turn of skipper Craig Bryant to strike the woodwork from a long-range free kick, but soon it was 4-0 and Bryant was involved again. A well-rehearsed free kick routine from the halfway line saw Adam Saunders’ precision cross find Bryant whose cushioned header into the path of Rattley was met by a stunning half volley for the goal of the game in the 80th minute.

Rattley’s hat-trick arrived just five minutes later after he was felled by the home ‘keeper Batchelor in the area when he looked certain to score. After the referee had shown Batchelor the red card and an outfield player had taken his place between the sticks, Rattley stepped up and calmly despatched the penalty. A late consolation goal by Aubrey -Simpson meant there no clean sheet for Valero but could not detract from a dominant display that earned the Bypass Boys a deserved 5-1 win.

On a rain-soaked Tuesday evening, East Cowes Vics were the visitors to The AEC Protection Ground when Romsey made it two wins in four days as they ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Alex Wilson, Mark Fawley and Oliver Jenkins. Skipper Craig Bryant received his marching orders in the first half for two petty yellow card offences that characterised the referee’s overly fussy approach, which also saw a first half dismissal of a Vics’ player and a number of yellow cards brandished.