A youthful Wiltshire side, featuring some six under 17 players, went down 3-1 to Hampshire Schools in an Under 19 Inter-Counties Cup tie at Swindon Supermarine's Hunts Copse ground.
Semi-finalists last season, Hampshire took a 2-0 lead inside the opening five minutes but the Wiltshire team, represented by New College students, pulled a goal back through Gary Smart before half-time.
The second half was an evenly contested affair, Steve Bunting working tirelessly in midfield, but the all-important goal came 15 minutes from the end as Hampshire booked their place in the next round against Somerset.
Wiltshire will face Hampshire at home again in the new year in the South West Counties League. They also play Gwent at home and Berkshire away.
New College, following their 10-0 Wiltshire Schools Cup final win over Trowbridge, have drawn the Hampshire Schools winners in the first round of the English Schools Cup on either January 16 or 23.
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