NESTON South Wirral made an excellent start to the league season as they thrashed Southport 6-0 in North Division Two.

Neston have endured a fairly poor pre-season with goals at a premium and the first 15 minutes were uneventful, as both sides sparred for superiority.

It was Max Dutton who opened the scoring from Neston's first penalty corner as he flicked past the visiting keeper.

Shortly before the break, Dor Proudfoot notched his first goal for the Parkgate men, when he finished expertly after being put through by the returning Ben McTaggart.

After the interval, Neston had to withstand some rare pressure from their visitors, before Mark Donnelly rifled in from another set-piece.

As the enigmatic Donnelly dominated the midfield, Neston took charge, and the lively McTaggart was on hand to slot-in from close range.

Youngster Dutton added his second with Southport dispirited, and Matty Newall could have added to the scoring when inches from goal.

Aled Jarvis capped a successful opening day for the home team when he wrapped up the scoring late on.

Neston will face a much sterner test this Saturday when they visit Preston.

Elsewhere, Neston ladies' first team followed up last week's superb 11-0 win, as Lorien Waterer, Sarah Fearnley, Kate Baxendale, Sally Bell and Emma Nokes found the net in a convincing 5-1 success over Winnington Park.