THE surprise package in the Basingstoke and District Division Two could be Basingstoke Athletic.

During the summer they have signed former Welly Old Boys first teamers Ryan Evans, Matt Button and Dale Bristow and opened their campaign with a 5-2 win against visiting Sherborne Reserves.

Sherborne’s James Price opened the scoring and although Athletic levelled through Ryan Evans, they were behind at the break to a goal from Ben Harman.

Athletic’s Lee O ‘Grady and Sam Paterson soon made it 3-2 and Evans completed his hat-trick for a comfortable win.

The two newcomers Winklebury Wizards and Basingstoke United made their debut in the league and the Wizards, managed by former Basingstoke Town centre back Tommy Clegg, won 3-0.

Robson Poreria gave them the lead following a lay off by Liam Grainger. After 30 minutes, ex-Overton United winger Scotty Winterbourne made it 2-0, following good play by Josh Dickens.

Winterbourne with his second of the game completed the scoring.

Preston Candover (formerly Bengal Brasserie) beat visiting AFC Aldermaston A 4-3.

Sub Tony Johnson put Aldermaston ahead just before the break and Kevin Flain made it 2-0 on the hour.

Things looked bad for Preston when full back Ben Coe had to take over in goal.

However, Clayton Deacon pulled one back and soon after Kyle Buckland converted Richard Spears’ pass to level.

Aldermaston made it 3-2 from Jon Rooney, but the home side won the game thanks to a Spears header and Buckland’s winner seven minutes from time.

Relegated Herriard Sports managed just four points all season in Division One, but have one already after drawing 2-2 against Labour Club.

A free kick from player/manager Craig Lewingdon found Stuart Minton and his powerful 20-yard drive hit the net.

Herriard made it 2-0 after 50 minutes after Sam Weber was too quick for the Labour defenders.

On 75 minutes, Labour were awarded a penalty after Matthew Kelly was fouled and he put away the spot-kick and then Mark Thorpe scored their second.

The points were also shared between AFC Berg and Overton United B in a 2-2 draw. New Overton manager Les Hayes saw his side lead 2-0 thanks to Neil Ryan and Archie Fletcher.

Berg replied after the hour from Matt Goodman and Kieran Alleyne.

Overton boss Hayes praised his full back Jimmy Wheeler for his contribution in picking up a point.