Romsey’s Hampshire/Surrey Regional Division 2 relegation fears heightened with a 3-2 defeat by on-song Fareham III, who have pulled themselves well clear of the danger zone with an unbeaten seven-match run.

“We were deservedly punished for our lacklustre performance. Fareham showed more desire and application throughout the game,” admitted Romsey skipper Dave Edwards.

Romsey were a little fortunate to escape a cagey and goalless first half on level terms at Henry Cort as Fareham failed to convert any of the numerous penalty corners they earned.

Ben Mullan had the best open play chance for the visitors but his low flick was tame, whilst Joe Welch (below) – hat-trick hero against Wimborne Wayfarers the previous week – was unable to continue his drag flicking heroics, slamming two early efforts into the keeper’s chest.

Romsey, who face runaway leaders Reigate Priory and promotion chasing Addiscombe in their next two games, failed to raise their game after the break and duly found themselves trailing by two goals, with Fareham catching them cold twice with well worked counterattacks by George Davey.

“George’s second goal was a textbook counter-attack from a penalty corner in our own goalmouth,” purred Fareham skipper Chris Tagg.

Romsey hit back as Welch stepped forward for another penalty corner and this time drove past the two runners before locating the left corner with a low flick from the middle of the area to make it 2-1 Fareham restored their two-goal cushion with a Carl Perry penalty flick awarded when goalkeeper Loz Scott was adjudged to have felled an attacker, who had been sent through one-on-one.

Danny Miles gave the visitors fresh hope with a little over five minutes remaining, scoring a reverse sweep, but Romsey could not find a late equaliser.