YOU wouldn’t have known it to look at the Southern League’s official website last night, but Blackfield & Langley are sitting pretty at the top of the Evo-Stik Division One South.

With the FA Cup taking centre stage, the league forgot to update the table yesterday after the Watersiders had put rock-bottom Barnstaple Town to the sword 3-0 at Mill Road in the division’s only game of the day.

Since winning promotion as Sydenhams Premier Division champions, Blackfield have quickly found their feet as a Southern League club, winning three and drawing one of their five games so far. It moves them above Yate Town and Winchester City on goal difference.

Yesterday's victory, earned by goals from Liam Robinson, Pip Nolan and Charlie Urry, was a positive response to their sole defeat at Evesham United the previous week.

Co-assistant boss Chris Farrell said: “We had Adam Tomasso injured for the Evesham game and Connor Doe was carrying a knock but, no excuses, we were quite flat that day.

“But at Barnstaple the boys were at it from the off.

“Ryan Oatley was man-of-the-match. He put in two excellent balls for the first and third goals from Liam and Charlie.

“It was Charlie’s first goal for the club and very well deserved. He’s worked his socks off in every game.

“Pip Nolan also got off the mark for us, so it was pleasing.”

Farrell, though, isn’t getting too carried away with B&L’s lofty position. After all, opponents will come much tougher than Barnstaple, who have yet to open their points account.

“Glenn (Howes, manager) is quite pleased with the start but, at this stage, it’s a token thing that we’re top – but then someone has to be there!” he said.

“We’ve played one more game than most and, with no disrespect, we’ve played some teams that people would perceive to be the weaker sides in this league.

“So let’s be sensible. We’ve got some tough games coming up which will give us more perspective on where we are.”