ALDERSHOT & Farnham Ladies showed a professional element in their game, as well as some eye-catching skills and cohesive team-work.
They ran rings round Southampton from the start. Shirley Jervis passed the first pushback to Sharon Stones; three passes later, Jervis received the ball back in the 'D' and was unlucky not to score.
Southampton fought back and should have scored when they were three-on-one against goalkeeper Gill Siemak.
How the tap-in chance was missed remains a mystery, but A&F did not dwell on their good fortune. They increased the pressure and soon reaped the benefits.
Annie Hairsine picked the ball up on the right and, after driving round the back of the 'D' and leaving the 'keeper stranded, played the ball to Sue Robinson who slammed in the first goal.
Penalty corner number three gave A&F their second goal. Stones stopped the ball dead, Fiona Payne slipped it right to skipper Donna Druce and then took the return pass to slip her shot past the'keeper.
The young Southampton side resorted to a more physical game, but Aldershot showed their experience and simply carried on with their own game.
In the second half, they kept the visitors pinned back in their own half, allowing Angie Cottee, Julie Edwards and Sarah Mewton to press down the flanks.
Emma Kellett dashed Southampton's hopes of a comeback when she turned in a deflection off the 'keeper after Hairsine had lofted the ball in from the top of the 'D'.
A job well done and A&F finished the match in the style, playing the ball around and saving themselves for next day's cup match.
Played six, won six, and five points clear at the top of the table. A&F face Winchester away this Saturday.
l In their All England Trophy match on Sunday, A&F were 4-0 winners against BBHC who play two leagues higher in the East Regional . Di Taylor, Emma Kellet, Sue Robinson and Shirley Jervis scored for A&F.