Romsey appeared on course for a fourth straight South League Hampshire/Surrey Regional Division 2 when when they led neighbours Winchester 2-0 early in their second half of their derby at Hampshire Collegiate.

But Winchester turned the game on its head to run in four goals in the last 14 minutes and celebrate a 4-2 win.

Winchester had started brightly, but Romsey caught the visitors on their first attack as Ben Butcher scored on the turn.

There then followed an extended period of Romsey dominance as their counter-attacking ripped Winchester apart, culminating in a second half strike from Danny Miles after a pull back from the by-line.

Evergreen keeper Ally Birch was the key player for Winchester as a series of saves kept Winchester’s outside hopes alive.

These seem to have disappeared with 15 minutes remaining as Romsey put in a third from Rob Williams only to find it crossed off after a long umpire discussion.

Within a minute, Andy Winnett and Rob Craddock had worked an opening for Rob Richie and Winchester, now 2-1 behind, eagerly grabbed a foothold.

Concern spread through the Romsey team as teenager Rory Penrose showed what a great prospect he is, creating havoc down the right channel and within another minute, Winchester had won a penalty corner from which Rob Goodchild buried the loose ball to draw level at 2-2.

Five minutes on and, with Winchester in full pomp, veteran winger Andy Winnett picked up Penrose’s pass and drilled it past the keeper.

The final sign off came from Stuart Swift after a left channel attack, firing in with five minutes remaining.