THE Boatmen of VTFC launched their new Sydenhams Wessex League campaign in impressive style, their stunning 6-0 broadside sinking Alton Town without trace.

Although it was a 'home' game for VTFC, the match was actually played at Alton's Anstey Road as the Boatmen's own ground is still being used for cricket.

"I'm really pleased with our result today because a lot of people think that the old Hampshire Premier Division is much weaker than the Wessex," said Boatmen boss Dave Diaper.

"We are a good outfit but we're not going to get carried away with this one result.

"To be fair we were really under the cosh for the first 20 minutes and our keeper Scott O'Rourke has kept us in the match."

Alton's John Edwards was the man that O'Rourke twice denied early on before former Saint Kevin Gibbens fired VTFC into a 20th minute lead.

Mike Spinney added a second two minutes later and Gary Male netted their third from the spot on 33 minutes.

Gibbens' centre was turned home by John McFarlane for number four after 47 minutes, Male bagged the Boatmen's fifth with McFarlane rounding the Alton keeper to make it six of the best after 71 minutes.

"It's great to be top of the league - it's just a shame it's not the last game of the season instead of the first!" smiled Diaper.

Blackfield were pipped 1-0 by a Flye goal at home to Stockbridge whilst Whitchurch were indebted to a last-minute strike for their 3-2 verdict against Alresford.

Whitchurch chairman Tony Chivers said: "We haven't played that well today and we've made hard work of getting all three points, but fortunately we've got the win that we wanted."

Chris Iddles and James Hemmings twice put Whitchurch in front only for the visitors to equalise on each occasion from the penalty spot. With the final seconds ticking away, Iddles crossed for Shaun Maye to head home United's late winner.