KARIM Benssaouda gave Poppies the perfect start to the new Wessex League One season as he fired a second-half hat-trick in a comprehensive 4-1 win at Alton Town.
The Poppies hitman was in electric form in front of goal alongside strike partner Scott Joyce to grab a treble of high quality.
Despite dominating the play, Poppies found themselves a goal down at the break after they were caught by a sucker-punch.
But Pete Moore's side responded in style as Benssaouda fired the equaliser from Joyce's knock-down in the opening stages of the second half.
Lamin Dibba fired Poppies ahead soon afterwards, with Joyce again the provider, but Benssaouda took command with two terrific solo strikes to cap an impressive first outing for Moore's new look side.
The Poppies boss said: "We destroyed them in the second half. Alton will not be one of the strongest sides we will come up against, but the first game of the season is always a difficult one.
"We dominated the game and just needed to raise the tempo in the second half.
"Karim and Scott were superb and I think they will be a real handful for a lot of teams this season."
Poppies: Harvell, Robinson, L Dibba, Briscoe, Bailey-Pearce, McCabe, Wyatt, Langrish, Trickster (Baker, 65), Benssaouda, Joyce. Unused subs: Morrell, Merritt, Dancer, Toy.
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