WITH a successful pre-season behind them, Laverstock and Ford looked to start launch their new campaign in similar fashion.

But resolute defending and superior finishing from hosts Fleet Spurs meant the visitors walked away empty handed following a 3-0 defeat.

Laverstock started the brighter of the two sides but failed to convert in front of goal on several occasions.

It was the hosts that took the lead just after the half hour, when they were awarded a contentious penalty for handball.

Player/manager Sam Knowles stepped up to fire his side ahead.

Just before the interval, Fleet doubled the advantage after Laverstock’s debutant goalkeeper Lee Newman- Judd pulled off a fantastic save only for the rebound to be tapped in by Ben Clisby from six yards.

Some solid defending in the second half meant Laverstock were left frustrated and chances on goal were rare.

And to Lavvy’s dismay the game was killed off after a great in swinging free-kick was met by the unmarked Knowles to nod in his second.

Downbeat Laverstock manager Rob Lakeman said: “We are all pretty shocked by the defeat and more importantly the performance.

“We had a really strong pre-season, but it all seemed to go wrong when it really mattered.

“We will all have a good think about things in the week and look to get it right on Saturday, which will be tough game against US Portsmouth.”

  • For Saturday’s game, which is a 3pm kick off, Laverstock and Ford are offering Salisbury City season ticket holders from last season the chance to watch the game for free.