THERE will be a staggered midweek start to the new Sydenhams Premier Division season.

Traditionally clubs competing in the opening round of the FA Cup like to get at least one league game under their belts beforehand.

But with the extra preliminary round scheduled early for Saturday, August 6, clubs would have been kicking off the season in late July had the Wessex stuck with their normal Friday/Saturday launch.

Instead returning SWL fixtures secretary Roger Allen has fixed everyone up with a midweek game, starting with James Taylor's Team Solent against Richard Luffman's new-look Alresford Town on Monday, August 1.

SYDENHAMS WESSEX PREMIER DIVISION

Opening fixtures 2016/17

Monday August 1:Team Solent v Alresford Town

Tuesday August 2: AFC Portchester v Horndean, Andover Town v Sholing, Bashley v Hamworthy Utd, Bemerton Heath Harlequins v Brockenhurst, Bournemouth Poppies v Fawley AFC, Cowes Sports v Blackfield & Langley, Fareham Town v Newport IoW, Moneyfields v Lymington Town.

Wednesday August 3: Verwood Town v Portland Utd, Whitchurch Utd v Amesbury Town.