TADLEY Calleva got their Wessex League Division One campaign off to the perfect start with a 6-0 victory over visiting US Portsmouth on Saturday.

Brett Denham headed down for Scott Kinge to score the only goal of the first half, though Sean Dallimore did hit the crossbar, but Tadley took control after the break.

Tol Sotonye doubled the lead from Denham’s pass on 55 minutes, while Mario Nurse made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after the impressive Adam Alliston had been brought down.

Denham then completed a quick-fire hat-trick to give Tadley a resounding victory, converting crosses from Kinge, Alliston and Jason Kingston.

Manager Danny Dolan said: “We just picked up from where we left off at the end of last season. It was tough for 55 minutes, until we got our second goal, but then our fitness showed through and we scored some really nice goals.”

Tadley are in FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round action on Saturday, taking on Hellenic League Premier Division outfit Ascot United. The game was due to be played at Ascot’s ground, but an event taking place at the nearby racecourse has resulted in it being switched to Barlow’s Park.

The sides met at the same stage of the competition last year. Despite losing 4-2, it was Tadley who progressed as Ascot were found to have fielded an ineligible player.

“It would be really nice to get a win in the FA Cup,” Dolan added. “They are a step above us but we have nothing to lose, especially if we can maintain the momentum from Saturday’s game.”