BOURNEMOUTH Poppies remain bottom of the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division after a 3-1 defeat to Alresford Town.

Ben Thomson struck in the third minute for the visitors before ex-Christchurch frontman Gareth Barnes bagged a decisive brace. Diane Bassiriki's injury-time goal proved scant consolation.

Manager Ken Vaughan, who fielded veteran Taffy Richardson on Saturday and in Tuesday's 9-1 mauling at Salisbury, has yet to see Poppies taste victory this season with five defeats in all competitions following their opening-day stalemate at Fawley.

In Division One, Connor Natella kicked off life in charge of New Milton Town with a 1-1 draw at home to Hythe & Dibden.

Michael Kitson scored for the Linnets, whose previous boss Callum Brooks quit to become first-team coach at Poole last week.

Ringwood Town remain unbeaten in the league and sit third in the early standings after Ben Harris and Sean Leadbetter scored in an eye-catching 2-1 win at AFC Stoneham.