Fareham'S South Premier League aspirations were thrown off course with a 4-0 defeat by Beckenham, arguably slight mid-season play-off favourites.

Coach Steve Godwin had no complaints, saying : "They were better on the day - and by some distance.

"About eight of our players had 'average' games. Beckenham were really up for it."

Ironically, Fareham striker John Oliver squandered a great chance before Beckenham scored twice in 90 seconds, both from short corners.

Fareham, whose opening Hampshire Cup defence is at Basingstoke on January 21, improved after the break but, chasing the game, twice allowed Beckenham to increase their lead.

Southampton first team found themselves all beached up with a change of surfaces and a glut of injuries leading to a 4-1 defeat against University.

Changing from a sand to water pitch, which produces a faster ball, Southampton found the University's slick passing difficult to contend with.

Four goals by half-time with only a solitary Kelvin Wyatt goal in reply told the tale.

However Southampton's performance improved in the second half but they could not find the elusive net. There was better news for the seconds though who cruised to a 4-1 win University's seconds after goals from Steve Matthew, Neil Hutchinson (2) and Matthew Mayes.

Southampton thirds met Aldermaston, who are a mature and fundamentally social side from Hants Open 2.

They also won 4-1, with Matt Southgate's goal from open play quickly followed by two short corner goals from Dave Holt and Rob Sparrow and another strike from Sparrow wrapping things up.

Christmas came early for Fareham who found the sixths in festive mood as they lost their last league game before Christmas 6-0.