LAVERSTOCK and Ford kicked off their 2017/18 league campaign with an entertaining 5-3 win away at Ringwood Town.

Lavvy handed debuts to Tyler Brockway and Max Allen and welcomed Lewis Wykes back to the starting line up for the first time in 18 months, following an impressive pre-season.

It was the home side who started well and opened the scoring after four minutes. Ringwood then added a second on 15 minutes and another error of judgement led to Lee Vint putting his side 2-0 up.

Laverstock finally found their feet, and on 28 minutes halved the deficit. Tyler Brockway bundled home and within five minutes the sides were level. Lewis Wykes turned and smashed home to make it 2-2.

But it was the home side who went ahead before half time.

On 59 minutes captain Graham Mankin headed home Tom Mundy’s free kick.

Then, firmly on the front foot, the visitors went for the win and the pressure paid off. On 64 minutes a free kick teed up Rob Gallagher to volley his side in front, and Gallagher sealed the win with his second on 73 minutes, following good work by another debutant, Scott Donaldson.

Following the game, co-manager Liam McConnell was quick to heap praise on his side and said: “A slow start against a very dangerous side was obviously not ideal, but in those situations the key is to stay calm and once the lads realised a comeback was on, there was only going to be one winner.

“We’re pleased with how the lads performed, especially the new faces we’ve brought in. This was a tough fixture to start with but to get off to a flyer should give them all confidence going into the FA Cup on Saturday.”