Sidbury United 3, Heavitree 1 Sidbury United launched their Fresha League Division One campaign with a competent all-round display to send the visitors back to Exeter well beaten.

On a glorious sunny afternoon Byes Lane was a picture and there was a dramatic opening to the contest with the fly past of a Lancaster bomber together with a Vulcan, on their way to the Dawlish air show.

The first goal of the new campaign came following a superb through-ball from 18-year-old Connor Hannaford that ended with central midfielder Sam Seldon thumping it into the roof of the net with a crisp half-volley.

Ten minutes later the lead was doubled when Ashley Ball’s approach play was polished off with Glen Salter tucking the ball home from 20-yards.

Half-time arrived with the hosts two goals to the good without ever getting out of firs gear!

Eight minutes after the restart some hesitant defending was punished and the visitors were able to halve the deficit.

That blow served to create a response from Sidbury and they quickly seized control.

Chances were fashioned, but the finishing did not match the clever approach play until 10 minutes from time when Small was put through and he kept his cool to slot past the keeper to seal a 3-1 opening day victory.

Sidbury boss Jeremy Schofield said: “It was not one of our better performance against what looked a poor side. However we got the three points which, when you don’t play well, is always something to be positive about. Last season we missed out on promotion simply because we dropped silly points and I am hoping we learnt from that disappointment and can push on this season.”

Tomorrow (Saturday) United travel into Exeter to meet Beacon Knights who were also opening day winners thanks to a 1-0 success at Exmouth Amateurs.