SWINDON Supermarine began 2022 with a 3-1 defeat to high-flying Metropolitan Police in Southern League Premier Division South on Saturday.

A goal either side of half-time put the second-place side in control before Ty Duffus pulled one back for Lee Spalding's men.

However, Met Police extended their lead midway through the second half to ensure Marine fell to consecutive losses.

Marine were expected to be in for a tough day in London, and that's how it began at least after the hosts struck the bar in the fifth minute courtesy of Sam De Croix's powerful strike.

David Titov forced Martin Horsell into a good low save shortly after - he then went on to shoot into the side netting as Met Police looked for an opener.

They duly found it in the 31st minute when Titov whipped a free-kick past Horsell and into the net.

Harry Williams thought he'd scored before the break, but his effort was smartly shoved around the post by goalkeeper, Liam Beach.

The early moments of the second half saw Marine go further behind. Jasper Mather was free in the box to slot home, and he made no mistake.

Brad Hooper shot narrowly wide in the 49th minute before Duffus did find the net seconds later.

George Dowling went on a run and crossed into the box towards a crowd of players. Reacting first, Duffus prodded into the net to give Spalding's men hope.

With momentum now on Marine's side, Zack Kotwica broke away and slotted towards the bottom corner, only to see Beach pull off another incredible save to deny him.

And nine minutes later, that save was put into context in terms of its value when Liam Ferdinand scored to kill the game off.

Cutting in from the right, Ferdinand drilled into the top right corner past a helpless Horsell to extend Met Police's lead.

Marine must pick themselves up quickly with a Wiltshire Premier Shield derby at home to Highworth Town on Tuesday night.

Elsewhere, the Worthians' Southern League Division One South affair at Mangotsfield was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Royal Wootton Bassett Town lost 1-0 away against Hereford Lads Club in Hellenic League Premier Division after conceding 15 minutes from time on Saturday.