TIME is running out for Trojans in their bid to stave off automatic relegation from the English Hockey Association women's Premier Division.

With four games left, they remain firmly rooted to the league basement - having collected only three draws from their 14 matches, 11 of which have ended in defeat.

The Stoneham girls suffered a double blow, losing a weekend double - 6-2 at Clifton, followed by a 3-0 defeat at Olton & West Warwicks, who share top spot with Slough.

"Fortunately, Sutton Coldfield - the team just two points above us - keep losing as well, so all is not yet lost," commented worried Trojans manager Louise Carter.

The automatic relegation place back to Division 1 - from which Trojans were promoted as champions last April - may not be decided until the final day of the season.

"That's the day we visit Sutton Coldfield and it may yet all be down to what happens in the Midlands that afternoon" Carter added.

And Trojans may have to do it all on the road.

"Our final home league game at Wellington is against Chelmsford on Saturday (1.30), after that we've got to visit Leicester and Hightown ... . before that crunch trip to Sutton Coldfield," Carter explained.

Trojans were a goal up through Alex Danson after just two minutes at Clifton but, despite having the best of the opening quarter, found themselves trailing 3-1 at the break to goals by Libby Monks (16), Lisa Hunter (29) and England's Helen Grant (33).

But it was a freak goal a minute after second-half restart which sealed Trojans fate.

"One of their players miss-hit a shot at the top of the D which looped over goalkeeper Claire Gover, struck the top of the bar - and landed straight at the feet of Denise Marston-Smith, who miscued it into the goal ... . off a post.

"After that, we just knew it wasn't going to be our day," Carter sighed.

Kristy Chalmers and Carol Marsden added to Trojans woe before Alex Danson bagged a deflection off Nyssa McNeill's shot from a penalty corner.

Trojans belied their basement status with another bright start at Olton, but failed to capitalise on the early promise.

Sara Ellis pulled off several fine saves before Naomi James (2) and Mandy Gardener sealed Olton's victory.

"In the second half they showed us why they are one of the top sides in the country," Carter said.

"Olton's passing was clinical and, most importantly, they were mentally better than us on the pitch. But we were better than at Clifton, the previous day."

Southampton overcame an injury crisis to pull off a creditable 2-2 draw at in-form Horsham.

Inspired by the courageous Linda Dunham, who defied a painful back injury to play in goal, Southampton created a host of first half chances, but had to be satisfied with Anna Skelton's goal at the break.

Dunham made two particularly fine saves, but was beaten twice in quick succession as Horsham grabbed a 2-1 lead.

But plucky Southampton were not to be denied. With the umpires glancing at their watches, the ever-youthful Sue Crowley sent a dipping shot into the net for a dramatic 2-2 equaliser.