WHAT a way to start the season at Wick Lane.

Downton FC licked their wounds from last term and dished out a six-goal pasting over Wessex Division One newcomers Totton and Eling.

They had to call upon reliable Charlie Aldridge, though, in the first 45 minutes to make some top-notch saves to keep a clean sheet and help the Robins ascend to the summit on day one.

Those saves and a delightful finish from Ross Bentall gave the hosts a 1-0 lead going into the break.

And an unpredictable second half showing left the visitors shellshocked.

Craig Tyson curled the ball into the top right hand corner from 25 yards, followed by Bentall adding a second and the hosts' third.

Three more goals were on their way and assistant manager Ben Smith hit the net with two fantastic headers.

And, finally Sam Howe scored with his first touch of the game after coming on as a substitute.

Colin Hopkins said: "Totton and Eling are a better side than the score line suggests, we were only one nil up at half time and Charlie Aldridge was instrumental in us being in that position.

"A couple of players needed to improve in the second half and they did exactly that, but the most pleasing aspect was how we scored our goals."