Premier Division

Southminster St Leonards began their defence of the Premier Division title with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Manford Way.

Tom Cockling scored twice and Connor Worling added the other for the defending champions. Manford grabbed their goals thanks to Ryan Emerson, Joe Moffat and Nick Lacey.

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts got off to a flying start with a 4-1 win away at Frenford Senior, with Anthony James bagging a hat-trick. Xaniel Doku netted the other goal for the Swifts.

Newham United also opened their campaign with a goal fest but lost out by the odd goal in nine at Newbury Forest.

Newbury found the net four times thanks to Joseph Mariani, Lee Meadows, Nicholas Marrable and Tom Prendergast.

However, Newham secured the three points as they ran out 5-4 winners through strikes from Hamzy Jomanday, Jason Turner, Johnnie Offei, Bradley Thomas and Scott Walker. Duane Miller scored the only goal of the game as Kelvedon Hatch notched a 1-0 win over May & Baker E.C.

Wadham Lodge also kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 away victory at Rayleigh Town.

Buckhurst Hill had to share the spoils with Hannakins Farm. Their encounter ended level at 1-1 with Freddie Donker grabbing the Buckhurst goal.

Division One

Hutton got their campaign underway with a comprehensive 4-2 win at Herongate Athletic.

Ben Trigg grabbed himself a brace with Chris Rowlett and Luke Meadwright the other players to find the net. Luke Osborne and Craig Spicer scored the goals for Herongate.

O’Neil McDowell and Joe Maskell were both on target for Westhamians in their 2-1 success at Old Southendian.

Harold Hill and Ongar Town shared a point each as they played out a goalless draw.

Division Two

Old Barkabbeyans were relegated from Division One last season and started the new campaign in disappointing fashion as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at Basildon Town.

Division Three

Catholic United began the season in incredible fashion by thrashing Epping 8-0.

Dale Sands scored a hat-trick with Mark Baptist, James Foy, Jack Jones, Steve Finnin and Matt Hambleton also found the net against a leaky Epping defence.

Southend Sports started life in the Olympian League with a win as they beat Ramsden Scotia 3-1.

Richard Sharpe, Dom Binns and Jimmy Webb netted the decisive goals for the division’s newcomers while Ramsden struck a consolation thanks to James Smith.

Leytonstone United started the season with a defeat as they went down 2-0 to Forest Glade.