BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies got their Southern League Premier Division campaign off to the perfect start with a 5-3 victory over visiting Aldershot Town Ladies on Sunday.

Having been on the back foot for the opening 15 minutes, Basingstoke took the lead when Katie Randell converted Lindsey Beverley’s pass.

Home goalkeeper Erin Davis made a good save to maintain the lead soon after, but Town doubled their advantage just before the break, Beverley heading home Josette Pearmine’s cross.

Town added a third goal 10 minutes after half-time, Randell volleying Ayala Truelove’s cross past the goalkeeper, but Aldershot then pulled a goal back, sparking a frantic final 18 minutes.

New signing Charlie Fry made it 4-1 from just outside the area, only for Aldershot to grab their second with five minutes to play.

Sam Mosley restored the three-goal lead a minute later, and while the visitors pulled another back with two minutes left, Town held on to win.

The ladies are in action again this Sunday, travelling to Woodley United Ladies.