Bex Day scored four times as Southampton's Women got off to a flying start in South League Division 1 with a 5-2 win over Rover Oxford, who were relegated from the National League at the end of last season.

In an exhilarating first half, Southampton opened the Oxford defence with good, incisive runs and fast play rewarded with three goals.

The opener came from a Sue Crowley penalty and the second from Day, who slapped in a Crowley cross from close range.

Southampton's third - again from Day - came from a great left-sided move, initiated by Naomi Dunn and Anna Skelton, whose lateral run found Sophie Mitchell to set up Day.

Oxford forced numerous penalty corners and narrowed the gap with goals either side of half-time.

Inspired by goalkeeper Linda Dunham, Southampton hung on to their single-goal lead and eventually regained their composure for Day to score two late goals and give her side a 5-2 win.

You can't blame Winchester ladies for not being optimistic.

After narrowly avoiding relegation from Hampshire League, Division 1 last season, they've got their eyes set on being among the front runners this coming term.

They've been boosted by three students from nearby King Alfred's College - goalkeeper Gemma Blewett, Windsor's Lisa Maqsood and Sarah Stanbury, from Yateley.

Winchester got into the groove for Saturday's league start with a 3-2 win over Gosport - Nichola Bamforth, Basil Watkins and 13-year old Caroline Thorne scoring.