Rover Oxford suffered their first defeat in eight games as they went down 2-1 away to PHC Chiswick, losing top spot in the South League Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division as a result.

Rover went in front with a goal from in-form striker Richard Beer, who lifted the ball past the oncoming keeper after good wing play.

Chiswick responded well with a spell of pressure which intensified when Dan Pilbeam was sent off for a wild challenge on a PHC midfielder.

The home team's efforts paid off with the equaliser after a loose ball by Rover captain Dave Hewstone.

Within minutes, Rover's hard work was undone when a Chiswick forward waltzed in unmarked to score a second goal.

Daniel Smyth spurned two late chances to even the score.

Abingdon's recent run of victories came to an end as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against unbeaten Division 1 table-toppers Amersham & Chalfont.

Amersham made Abingdon pay dearly for their inability to retain possession as they raced into a two-goal lead in 15 minutes.

Richie Martin opened the scoring at a penalty corner, then Dave Martin added a second following an attack down the right.

Abingdon went close to scoring as a spectacular Josh Tomlinson reverse-stick shot was turned past the post by the keeper and Will Trigg saw a reflex effort drift just wide.

Abingdon's efforts were finally rewarded when they were awarded a penalty corner following a strong run from Tomlinson and Trigg's strike, although slightly mis-hit, still found the corner of the goal.

Abingdon had a great chance to grab an equaliser but Andy Ringsell, with an open goal at his mercy, managed to let the ball run on to his feet instead.

City of Oxford were beaten 2-0 at home in Division 1 by Marlow, who grabbed a goal in each half.

Both sides had plenty of chances, but the game was kept tight by two excellent goalkeepers. City's new South African keeper Cliff Spolander made a number of fine saves.

Witney maintained their promotion ambition by beating Wokingham 1-0 with a late winner. With two minutes to go, Witney won a short corner which was converted by James Pigott.

Bicester lost 5-4 at Bracknell while second-bottom Wallingford went down 3-2 at basement club Harrow.