A convincing victory by 6-2 at Folland Sports ten days ago was followed by an uninspiring performance at Cove last Saturday that ended in a 2-0 defeat.

The Bypass Boys put their unlucky FA Vase exit to Bridgwater United behind them with a resounding win away to Folland Sports by a four goals’ margin.

Having led 2-1 at half-time with goals from Brandon Hill and a thirty yards’ effort from Callum Zikmund, the hosts were back on level terms within five minutes of the restart.

Town then took control with a four goals’ burst that saw Zikmund notch his second goal of the evening before Jamie Arnold pounced on a defensive error and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper.

James Martin, who gave another outstanding performance in midfield, added the final gloss to the scoreline with two solo goals in added time to take his tally to 9 goals for the season.

Buoyed by an emphatic midweek victory, Town’s fans travelled to Cove with high hopes of seeing their team put an end to their dismal record of consecutive away defeats to their hosts since they joined the Wessex League in 2023.

Cove fielded a side whose strong physical presence relied on long throw-ins, corners and set pieces and Scott Barron had to be alert to clear a dangerous cross from ex Romsey player Mark Fawley in the 20th minute.

The first half was a scrappy affair on an uneven surface with bare patches, and both teams were guilty of squandering possession with a series of misplaced passes.

Cove’s main attacking outlet was Okine-Peters who gave right back Alex Wilson a challenging time on the left flank.

Romsey’s first effort came in the 25th minute when James Martin’s free kick was headed narrowly wide by Adam Pattison.

Town then survived an almighty scramble in the box with Lee’s close-range shot smothered by Miles Bartram at the second attempt.

Cove almost made their aerial dominance count when Atkinson saw his header go just wide in the 38th minute.

The second half began with the hosts camped in Romsey’s half and Fawley provided a long-range shooting opportunity that Everard fired wide.

Town registered their first shot on target in the 57th minute when Martin set up Zikmund, but his effort was comfortably held by Cove’s ’keeper.

The home side continued to press forward and came close to scoring when Upson’s header from a corner went just over the bar.

A free kick from thirty yards drew a fine diving save from Bartram as he tipped the ball over the bar, but from the resultant corner substitute Grant powered home a header from six yards in the 80th minute.

In the final minute yet another corner for Cove brought their second goal as a Town defender was unfortunate to head his clearance into his own net under pressure from Atkinson.

The defeat leaves Romsey in twelfth place in the table with 16 points from twelve games, as they welcome seventh placed Frimley Green to the AEC Protection Ground tomorrow (ko 3pm).