SOUTHAMPTON are rapidly putting last season’s struggles behind them with success in the group phase of the Hampshire Cup increasing optimism for the upcoming South League programme, which begins a week on Saturday.

The city club, who avoided relegation from Regional Division 1 by the skin of their teeth at the end of last season, beat Hamble, Salisbury and the University after a creditable goalless draw with Trojans, writes Mike Vimpany.

Player/coach Rob O’Brien couldn’t have been happier with Southampton’s performance.

“It was a top day from the guys, who faced some really tough matches in the University tournament.

“The guys did so well with the heat and long breaks. I could not of asked for more from the guys. It was a great team effort to walk away from the day with three wins and one draw.”

Chances were at a premium during the Trojans opener to Southampton’s four-match programme.

“A very hard-fought game with not many clear cut chances for either side,” O’Brien reflected. “Our goalkeeper made one brilliant save from Colin French to thwart a one-on-one, but a goalless draw was most definitely a fair result.”

The 3-2 win over Regional 1 rivals Hamble was a frantic affair, Southampton twice coming from behind to win.

Matt Wood cancelled out Hamble’s opener from Mitch Clarke, but some sloppy play led to the city side falling behind again.

Two yellow cards saw Hamble lose the initiative – O’Brien equalising from a tight angle and then Simon Watson bundling a last gasp effort over the line to give Southampton a 3-2 victory.

Their confidence rising, Southampton completely dominated the 2-0 win over Salisbury, Jonny Nicholl carving out both the goals – the first by Simon Watson and the victory-clinching second by James Nurse.

Southampton again came from behind to beat the University, who will play Hampshire League hockey this season following last season’s Regional relegation.

Matt Wood scored the opening two goals and Nurse the third. Watson’s fourth goal rounded off a fine day for the buoyant city side.

Fixtures: Saturday Men. NOW: Pensions Western Conference: Fareham v Team Bath (Henry Cort, 1.30), Women Investec Western Conference: Swansea City v Trojans, South League Division 3B Andover v Trojans, Fareham v Guildford (Henry Cort, 11), Surbiton III v Trojans II.