BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies got their Southern League Premier Division campaign off to the perfect start, beating Mansfield Road 7-0 to top the table after the opening round of fixtures.

The ladies opened the scoring in the early stages, Lindsey Beverley making the most of a defensive error.

Katie Randell doubled the lead at the end of a neat move and Jemma Sharp got her first goal for the club from the edge of the area.

Beverley then scored the best goal of the game, firing into the top corner.

Josette Pearmine added a fifth before half-time, but the scoring continued in the second half, Jess Soates scoring twice late on.

The ladies are in Women’s FA Cup action on Sunday, making the trip to Downend Flyers for a second qualifying round tie.

Local courier company 1st Class Logistics, have signed up to become the club’s kit sponsor.

Craig Prall, director of football at Basingstoke Town Ladies, said: “We as a club are very grateful that 1st Class Logistics are now our designated sponsor.

“After the success of the World Cup, we want to push the media coverage through into the local game. Having a sponsor with a local background can only enhance that.

“We are trying to get ourselves noticed and are building links with young girls to get them to join us instead of giving up the game at 16 or 17, when it can be difficult to find a team.”

l Basingstoke Town Ladies Reserves faced title favourites AFC Bournemouth in Hampshire League Division Two.

They lost 4-1, with Charlotte May scoring the Basingstoke goal.

Next up for them is a trip to Division One side Rushmoor Community in the Hampshire League Invitation Cup on Sunday.