ALRESFORD Town’s hopes of climbing out of the Sydenhams Premier Division’s bottom two were dashed by a Blackfield & Langley side with a point to prove.

Having been turned over 5-0 by Team Solent in the Southampton Senior Cup final three days earlier, Blackfield took out their frustrations on Martin Beck’s Magpies with a 5-2 league win at Arlebury Park.

With a host of senior players absent, Beck handed debuts to goalkeeper Will Barnett and central defender Joe Selby.

Both youngsters made encouraging contributions, but second-placed Blackfield simply had too much in the locker and went 4-0 up through Rico Wilson (2), Sam Poole and Joe Byrne.

John Howard converted Tom Donaldson’s cross to make it 4-1 at the break and an Alresford comeback fleetingly looked on the cards when B&L keeper Lloyd Thomas failed to cling onto a cross and the tireless Donaldson tucked the loose bacll away.

But on 62 minutes, Blackfield struck again as Byrne claimed the last touch amid a goalmouth scramble.

With three games to go – starting at Andover Town tomorrow (Tuesday) – Alresford are two points clear of bottom club Folland Sports.

Blackfield, who make the short trip to Fawley AFC on Wednesday, must keep winning to see off the threat of Andover Town for runners-up spot.