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.

Early table-toppers VTFC travel to Cowes tomorrow evening and the Islanders also started their season with three points as they triumphed 2-0 at Portland United.

Both goals came in the first half, Elliott Day thumping home a loose ball in the area after 20 minutes and, ten minutes later, Phil McDonald capitalised on a defensive mix-up to seal the points.

Cowes manager Derek Ohren said: "Naturally I'm delighted with the win but also our whole performance today, we were very solid at the back and things look really positive."

A 61st minute strike by Mark Tryon clinched Gosport Borough a hard-fought 1-0 verdict at newcomers Hamworthy United - the Dorset club's first home league defeat for over a year.

"It was a hard game and Alex Pike certainly had his Hamworthy side up for it and they gave us a very good run for our money," admitted Gosport secretary Brian Cosgrave.

Last season's runners-up Wimborne Town were held to a goalless draw away at Moneyfields, while strikes by two-goal Ian Davies and Danny Oatway earned Thatch-am Town a 3-0 win away at Fareham Town.