It was debutant midfielder Mark Baines that opened the scoring, latching on to a Dwayne Rankin pass to fire home from 25 yards, some of the home sides football in the early stages was a joy to watch, as they dominated possession. Netherton did briefly let Stamford Lions back into the game when they switched off defensively to let Jack Travers head in at the far post. This came after home keeper Aaron Kier had made a great save from a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The ball was recycled and the away side reacted quickest to score.

The home side quickly regained their composure and more slick football saw them score two more goals before half time, both of them scored by Eric Makate who was playing in what seemed like a unfamiliar position of striker. His first came after the away keeper could only parry a strong Zack Fisher shot for him to tap in. His second came after great run from defender Chris Hansford, who strolled through the Stamford midfield to play in Makate who finished well.

H/T 3-1

It was more of the same from the home side in the second half, totally dominating possession and creating a number of chances. Only one more goal was scored, with Makate completing his hat trick with a great finish from the edge of the box after more good work from Rankin.

It was a great start to the season, manager Jon Harrison was pleased with the win and said. "It's only the first game, but there was lots of positives, the squad is beginning to take shape and they are playing the way I want them to." He added "We have a big squad, with players like Tommy Randall, Callum Madigan, Ondre Odain, Dan Fountain, Grant Watson still to come in, my toughest job is going to be keeping everyone happy, but that job is a lot easier when you are winning. We play ICA on Tuesday, we have to be up for it or today's win means nothing."

NETHERTON UNITED
Aaron Kier, Ryan Wood, James McDonough, Ben Daly, Chris Hansford (Arno Staffeiri), Lewis Brisbourne, Ash Jackson (c), Mark Baines, Dwayne Rankin (Chris Brown), Zack Fisher, Eric Makate (Robbie Ellis). Sub Not Used Micheal Fox

Star Man: BEN DALY