BEMERTON’S terrific start was washed away following defeats to the top two Wessex Premier sides.

After winning their three opening games, they succumbed to Horndean (3-1) and Andover Town (4-1) over a torrid four-day spell for Graham Kemp’s men.

Saturday saw Heath go behind through Nathan Kirby before Will Robinson was tripped in the area and the penalty was dispatched by Tom Roberts.

But, after creating chances, they suffered two sucker punches 20 minutes before the end.

Robbie Tambling and Kirby scored in a six-minute spell to secure victory for the Deans.

Bemerton were refreshed for the trip to Portway Stadium on Tuesday night and things looked bright after a goalless first half, in which Bemerton’s defence stood firm.

Then, in the opening 10 minutes of the second period, the complexion of the game changed as Bemerton paid the price for three horrendous mistakes.

Suhael Odeh slotted home Sam Pekun’s cross and the provider scored two to see Andover jump into a 3-0 goal cushion within eight minutes.

Odeh bagged himself a brace in the 70th minute to wrap up the points.

James Burden scored a consolation in stoppage as Bemerton left the high-fliers empty-handed.

Central defender Graham Mankin said: “After the game Kempy was less than amused. He wasn’t happy with the way we capitulated in defeat and it was a far from acceptable second half performance”

“We’re still getting to grips with playing together as we are still a new side.”

Harlequins look to bounce back on Saturday (3pm) in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Blackfield and Langley are hosts and stand in their way of the first round of qualifying.

The winner will get a cheque for £1,925 in FA prize money and play at either Cheltenham Saracens or Milton United on September 12.