BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies got their season off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory away at Cheltenham Civil Service in The Women's FA Cup.

Town got off to a difficult start but grew into the first qualifying round tie, dominating possession and creating several opportunities throughout the first half.

The best fell to Lindsey Beverley, but her header at goal flew narrowly wide, only just missing the post.

Beverley went even closer to opening the scoring after the break, rattling the crossbar with a free-kick from 25 yards out.

However, it was from another free-kick that the visitors did manage to break the deadlock with 15 minutes to go.

Charlie Fry stepped up to take the kick, curling the ball home to put Basingstoke into the lead.

That goal opened the floodgates and the visitors scored twice more in the closing stages to complete the win.

Katie Randell made it 2-0, with Beverley providing the assist, while the same player also set up goal number three, scored by Josette Pearmine.

The draw for the second qualifying round has been made, with Basingstoke handed another away tie, this time against Bristol outfit Downend Flyers.

The ladies get their Southern League Premier Division under way on Sunday, hosting Mansfield Park at Winklebury (2pm).

l The reserves lost 2-1 away at Bournemouth Sports in their opening game of the campaign.

Charlotte May opened the scoring from close range, making sure Jess Sotes' shot crossed the line, but Bournemouth responded, scoring twice to lead at half-time.

Town were awarded a second-half penalty when Becky Lee was fouled in the area, but Shannon King saw her spot-kick saved.