LAVERSTOCK kicked off their Hampshire League Division One campaign with a disappointing performance and result against Clanfield.

A penalty saved, missed chances and some poor defending cost them dear.

Midway through the first half Toby Giles was brought down in the box but Dom Male scuffed his kick and the keeper saved down to his left. Laverstock paid for this wastefulness shortly afterwards when Clanfield broke and a sliced cross left goalkeeper Liam McConnell stranded as it flew into the net. Within five minutes the advantage was doubled when a backward header from Shaun Hartley let the home side in on goal. Paul Lucas' powerful header from a corner smacked against the bar at the other end.

After the interval, Steve Haugh's 25-yarder also hit the bar, and Male and Nick Newman both squandered chances. Lucas' cross was slotted in by Newman to give Laverstock hope, but within minutes Clanfield restored their two-goal advantage. A ball into the six yard box was greeted by static defending and a Clanfield forward poked the ball over the line.

The reserves won 5-1 at home to Fleetlands, leading 1-0 at half-time through Matt Higgins. Another from Higgins, two headed goals from youngster Tony Ellis and a Ben Read strike completed the rout before a late Fleetlands consolation.