ALEX Pike's Hamworthy United made an excellent start to the new term as they destroyed Bemerton Heath Harlequins 4-0 at the County Ground.

Pike's men sit on top of the embryonic new Wessex One table after Anthony Tilley struck twice while Dan Cann and substitute Ryan Lucas both chipped in with a goal each.

Pike said: "We had one of the best pre-seasons I can remember and we owed Bemerton after they beat us last season.

"I knew we were well prepared and the players proved it. We have got a very young side and they don't know how good they are at the moment.

"That means they also play without any fear and we'll see where that takes us."

Hammers: Hutchings, Wilson, Lockyer, Waldock, Gilbert, White, Tilley, Moores (Edwards, 70) Cann, Legg (Lucas, 65), Gill. Unused subs: Williams, Lamb, Dovell.

ANDY Leader was full of praise for his Christchurch side despite their 2-1 loss at Thatcham.

Priory found themselves two goals adrift, despite having the better of the play, following two defensive errors that cost them dearly.

Martin Lawrence failed to clear inside the penalty box for the first goal while Lee Hodder misjudged a long clearance to allow his opponent a clear run on Andy Bayliss' goal.

And although the impressive Lloyd Jenvey reduced the arrears after the break with a powerful header, Priory were unable to find that elusive equaliser.

Leader said: "We played really well but sometimes you don't get what you deserve in football."

Priory: Bayliss, Wells, Elliott, Hodder, Crutchley, Till, Legg (Birt, 60), Jenvey, Lawrence, Soutadeh (P Roberts, 70), Woolner (D Roberts, 65). Unused sub: Gogan, Knopps.

TWO Wessex League veterans came out of retirement for Brockenhurst but were unable to stop them going down 3-1 at Gosport Borough.

Boss Graham Kemp donned his boots after only hanging them up at the end of last term while Pete 'Flash' Gardner has been coaxed out of retirement once again.

Kemp said: "We're short of a striker so I signed James Totzyck from Bashley and gave Pete a call to help us out for a while."

Brock were three down early in the second half but a superb 30-yard free-kick from Totzyck provided a consolation for Brock.

Brock: Potter, Grace, Woodward, Kemp, Hillyer, Drew, Marks (Manning, 60), Saunders (Booker, 65), Guetling, Totzyck, Cooper (Gardner, 65). Unused sub: O'Connor, Wright.