Festive cheer comes early for Town.

Romsey Town 2, Shaftesbury Town 0.

THREE impressive new signings and a sixth victory in their last seven home games gave Romsey a dream start to December.

The new men, Dave Egerton and Danny Tcpan from Hamble Aeroscape and Colden Common skipper Gary Fuker were described by manager Trevor Holmes as "signings with the future in mind".

All three went on as second-half substitutes and both did well as third-placed Romsey kept within striking distance of leaders Hayling United and second-in-the-table Locks Heath.

Shaftesbury, who have chalked up some impressive victories including one against Poole Town in a cup-tie, were given an early warning of Romsey's determination.

With Chris Jones causing problems for the visitors down the Romsey right, Wills Winfield and Neil Channon both shooting just wide.

At the other end, Mike Hookway was having a quiet time in the Romsey goal with the back four of Jordan Bartlett, Ross Gregory - switched to the defence in the absence of central defender Phil Proudley - Simon Woodley and Eddie Carlin dealing comfortably with anything which came their way.

The breakthrough came after 25 minutes when midfield men Gary Frost and Winfield paved the way for Tommy Donaldson to send a rasping left-foot shot low into the corner of the net.

But despite being in control and playing some excellent football, Romsey had to wait had to wait until the 70th minute when good work by Chris Jones and Jordan Bartlett paved the way for Jamie Hookway, playing in place of the suspended Mark Williams, to slot the ball home.

Romsey made three changes in the second half. Channon, still struggling to shake off the effects of some robust treatment from Alresford three weeks, was replaced by Egerton, while Tcpan and Fuker went on for Jamie Hookway and Chris Jones, who had both run themselves into the ground.

Romsey will be seeking their second league double of the season tomorrow when they go to Amesbury Town, who were beaten 3-0 when they visited the Bypass Ground.

Hampshire Senior Cup.

Fleet Town 5, Romsey Town 0.

ROMSEY bowed out of the Hampshire Senior Cup at Fleet Town on Tuesday despite putting up a spirited performance.

The high-riding Ryman League Division 1 side were three goals up at half-time and they added two more after the break against a Romsey side hit by injuries and suspensions.

Romsey manager Trevor Holmes said: "I was proud of the way our lads kept fighting and I think the result flattered Fleet a bit."