BEMERTON Heath Harlequins collected their first three point haul of the season with an entertaining 4-3 victory over Christchurch at Western Way on Saturday.

Bemerton started the brighter side and had the visitors pegged back for the first 10 minutes. However, it was Christchurch who broke the deadlock when the home side switched off and allowed the Christchurch left back to wander into the box and finish off a sharp move.

The hosts responded well and their constant pressure paid off when new signing Scott Joyce beat everyone to the ball, following a Jack Eves corner and heading past the stranded keeper to equalise, and open his Bemerton account.

The pressure continued to flow from the hosts and they quickly took the lead when Tom Roberts despatched a penalty to take Harlequins into a 2-1 lead at half time.

But they didn’t get the fruitful start in the second period they had wished for after former Salisbury midfielder Mark Smith equalised from the spot.

There was more drama to unfold, though, starting with Scott Joyce’s wonder free kick and then emerging prospect Shaun Prentice opened up a two-goal gap.

Adie Arnold’s Christchurch hitback to make it 4-3, but that was how it ended.

Bemerton boss Ian Chalk said: “We had some good performances especially form Graham Mankin and Scott, but Shaun probably deserves a special mention.”

“We were forced to throw him in at the start of the season as we are so short of players but he has grabbed his chance with both hands and thoroughly deserved his starting place.

“He's a breath of fresh air and reminds everyone that football is there to be enjoyed.”

Bemerton’s confidence was broken on Tuesday night, slumping to a 5-0 home defeat to Hamworthy United.

They will look for a second win when they welcome Totton & Eling in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday (3pm).