WESSEX champions Blackfield & Langley kicked off the new campaign by slamming three past Laverstock & Ford in the Sydenhams League Cup – without the help of their leading marksman.

Alex Baldacchino – scorer of 33 Wessex goals last term – was named on the bench to give him more time to get over a leg fracture sustained at the end of last season.

“Alex isn’t back to full fitness yet,” manager Glenn Burnett explained. “He was caught on the back of the leg after scoring at Totton & Eling last season and I haven’t rushed him back.

"We’re looking after Alex a bit and other people have been doing really well.”

Kev Gibbens, Neil Williams and substitute Nathan Lynch all scored on Saturday to see the Watersiders safely through to round three.

Tonight they begin their defence of the league title at home to runners-up Alresford Town who suffered an unexpected 4-0 defeat at Newport IoW on Saturday.

“I don’t really know what to make of that result,” Burnett admitted.

“I dare say Alresford had a few out, but I’ve seen the players they’ve got and nothing much has changed there since last season.

“Alresford beat teams from outside our league last season and they’ve got to be taken seriously.

“We know what they’re capable of and we’re taking noth ing for granted tonight. It’s going to be tough, but we’ve got a great home record.”

Blackfield are at full strength bar suspended defender Maurice Stuart who was sent off for an elbow offence during Blackfield’s title-clinching 4-2 victory at Alresford in May.