Sholing’s return to the Sydenhams Premier Division was haunted by former player Alex Baldacchino as the pint-sized striker netted 15 minutes from time to give AFC Portchester a 1-0 win at Wicor Rec.

It looked to be heading for a draw as the Boatmen made their return to the Wessex after stepping down from the Southern League, but Baldacchino, who first signed for Sholing in early 2014, bundled home from close range after a shot had rebounded off the post.

With manager Dave Diaper away on holiday assistant Stuart Hussey took charge and blooded his new boys in this campaign opener, with Dean Faithful, James Davis and goalkeeper Ryan Gosney making their debuts.

The last time the Boatmen were in the Wessex they won the league and the FA Vase. One of the veterans from that famous campaign, Marvin McLean, was lively early on slamming twice into the side netting.

But apart from Dan Mason’s header from a Dean Faithful cross that Port stopper Lloyd Thomas plucked out the air, Sholing failed to seriously threaten.

The Silverlake Arena side appealed in vain for a penalty as Mason was brought down in the area, but they remained luckless in front of goal.

Gosney meanwhile was far busier in the Boatmen net but was able to thwart a chance and punch away a couple of crosses before a free-kick hit the base of his post late in the first half.

The Boatmen upped their game after the break and controlled the midfield. Mason slammed a volley at Thomas and Jack Smith had shot ten yards out blocked.

But with nothing to show for their work, Portchester caught the Boatmen on the break on 75 minutes and, after a shot deflected off the post, Baldacchino struck for the win.

Sholing play their first home game of the campaign against Moneyfields on Wednesday (7.45pm kick off).

Blackfield & Langley's trip to the PO postcodes also ended in defeat, letting a 2-0 goal lead slip to lose 3-2 at Horndean.

Ex-Winchester man Liam Robinson and Hugh Dathan gave the Watersiders a 2-0 buffer at the break.

Robert Pittman converted from the spot moments after the interval before netting winner on the hour mark after Gary Austin had levelled on 54 minutes.

Ex-AFC Totton attacker Zach Mouland netted a brace on his Wessex debut for Lymington Town as John Pyatt's men defeated last term's surprise package Whitchurch United 2-0 at Longmeadow.

A new look Folland Sports were defeat by Bemerton Heath Harlequins 3-1 on Friday night in Kevin Jackson's first game in charge.

David Jerrard was on target for the Planemakers but Russell Cook's brace and Graham Mankin saw Bemerton take the win at Follands Park.

All the goals came from the penalty spot as Bradley Benson and Jordan O’Donnell converted from 12-yards for Andover Town to defeat Moneyfields 2-1. Steve Hutchings was on target from the spot for Moneys to give a first-half lead.

Jack Satterley gave Hamworthy United an early lead in 2-2 draw with Fareham Town. 

Simon Woods and Adam Fisher gave Creeksiders the second-half lead before Matt Kemble struck late on to level. 

Jack Mills and Jack Swann netted either side of half-time as Verwood Town beat Newport IOW. Josh Maloney hit Ports' goal.

Fawley and Bournemouth shared a 0-0 draw.