Southampton University are back on the Hampshire/Surrey Regional Division 2 basement after a 3-1 defeat by Fareham III, who hauled themselves off the bottom in the process.

Fareham scored twice midway through the first half at Wide Lane to seize the initiative.

Teenager Harry Lemon put them in front with a crisp reverse strike and soon after veteran Kevin Smith doubled Fareham’s advantage after goalkeeper Sam Mead had partially save a drag flick.

The Wessex students rallied but their pressure went unrewarded.

Instead, it was Fareham who put the game beyond the University’s reach with a third goal on the stroke of half-time from Phil Stones.

It wasn’t until the closing minutes that Liam Roper scored a consolation goal for the students.

The win temporarily lifted Fareham out of the immediate relegation zone, but increased Romsey’s concerns.