GLENN Burnett was “gobsmacked” after his Blackfield & Langley side opened their defence of the Sydenhams Premier title with a 4-3 home defeat by runners-up Alresford Town.

A helter-skelter game at Gang Warily saw the Watersiders’ Michael Durdey sent off for an alleged two-footed challenge at 1-1 after Blackfield’s Ross Bottomley had snuffed out Warren Bentley’s opener.

Zach Glasspool gave the visitors the lead just before half-time but Blackfield hit back with a bang.

Alresford appeared to have survived when goalkeeper Jason Collins saved a penalty, but from the resulting corner Mike Byrne headed home.

Craig Feeney put Blackfield in front only for Alresford substitute Mike McEnery to level 3-3.

There was high drama in the closing minutes when Bottomley was adjudged to have clattered new Magpies midfielder Mack Phillips.

The ref pointed to the spot and McEnery converted Alresford’s winner.

“It was eventful to say the least,” said Alresford co-boss Danny Robinson. “I’m still not overly happy with the performance but, first and foremost, we needed a reaction to Saturday’s 4-0 loss at Newport.”

Burnett was bewildered – not with his team but with the refereeing decisions.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it,” he said. “Durdey’s been sent off, but the Alresford lads said it was their player who went over the top.

“As for Ross Bottomley, I’m gobsmacked. He was running backwards with their player to head the ball, they tangled and fell over and the ref’s shown Ross a second yellow. It’s ridiculous.

“I feel for our lads. To come back with ten men and lead 3-2 was fantastic.”

Bemerton (Kane O’Keefe 3, Joe Sanger, Tom Roberts, Seb Dawes) blitzed Bournemouth Poppies 6-0, Horndean (Dan Martin, Lenny Burney, Alex Miroy) won 3-0 at Downton, Follands were held 0-0 by Brockenhurst, while Matt Oldring and Dean Evans secured Verwood’s 2-2 draw at AFC Portchester (Lewis Stockford, Nathan Kirby).

Moneyfields (Steve Hutchings 2, James Ford, Bobby Scott) hit back from two down to beat Lymington Town 4-2 and Fareham (Bryn McKie pen) drew 1-1 with Hamworthy (Sam Pecan).