Ringwood striker Carl Fleet goes close during Saturday's game with Alresford. DA6209P5.NEWLY-promoted Alresford Town sprung a surprise at Long Lane on Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Ringwood Town, writes Ryan Lovejoy.

Bob Lane's side were on a high after their opening day success over Hythe & Dibden but they were brought back to earth by a team who were promoted because their facilities met the criteria for the new Sydenhams Wessex League Division Two.

Lane said: "We started poorly and never got to grips with the game until the end.

"We went 1-0 down midway through the first half when we should have cleared it. It was a soft goal to give away."

The Forest side switched to three at the back for the second half and Lane admitted things began to look better.

However, Alresford doubled their lead with a sucker punch.

"They only had two players in our half but the cross came in and Charlie Pierson headed it into his own net," added Lane.

"James Finlay got one back with 15 minutes to go, his second in two games since joining the senior squad, and we started to play well. But they hit us on the break and that was that.

"On reflection they were the better team, but we are fielding youngsters who will get better and I couldn't fault the effort. They are working hard but we need to work smart."

The Town boss added: "We had total respect for them but they weren't as good as Hythe & Dibden who we beat. That just goes to show that you can't be off the pace in this division or you will get punished."

Ringwood travel to Andover New Street, a side who finished second last season, on Saturday.

They have lost their first three games though, including a 6-3 reverse at Shaftesbury, and currently lie bottom of the table. Then Amesbury Town head to Long Lane next Wednesday.

Lane said: "I'm surprised that Andover have lost all their games but they will be determined to put that right and it will be a hard game.

"I would be disappointed not to beat Amesbury at home after that."