Declan Earth helped himself to a hat-trick on debut to steer Spalding United Reserves to an emphatic 5-1 win over Stilton United in their ChromaSport Division Two opener on Saturday.
After going behind early on, Hristos Dokov gave Spalding – relegated last season – parity at half-time. Rafal Marczewski netted a penalty to put the Tulips ahead, before Earth nocthed a treble to clinch the man-of-the-match prize and three welcome points.
Tulips chief James Langford said: “The whole vibe around the team is different. We have belief and positivity and we will go into every game believing we will win it. Our aim is simply to get back in Division One and we’ve worked hard to add quality through the summer.”
Up in the Premier Division, a Jonny Allen hat-trick inspired Holbeach United Reserves to a super 6-1 success at Stanground Sports. Josh Lawrence (2) and Scott Powley also netted for Phil Barnes’ Tigers.
Sutton Bridge United, meanwhile, went down 3-1 at Netherton United.
In Division One, Long Sutton Athletic roared to a fine 4-2 victory over Kings Cliffe.
Jonny Allen, Matty Oliver, James Ward and Martin Ward bagged for the Magpies.
Also on winning form were Tydd St Mary, who made it two wins on the spin with a 3-1 success over Wittering. Jake Clitheroe (2) and Max Burrell ensured the Saints sealed the points.
Moulton Harrox Reserves were held to a 2-2 draw at Oundle Town, with skipper John Ball and Danny Lambe-Hyner on-target, while Crowland Town suffered a 4-2 reverse at ten-man Stamford Belvedere.
In Division Two, strikes from George Smith and Ash Wilson earned Spalding Town a 2-2 draw at Parkway Eagles.
Division Three kicked off with Whaplode Drove edging out Whittlesey A 5-3 in a thriller. Joe Strickland (2), Harry Grigas, Danny Firth and Adam Samworth all netted in that one.
However, Holbeach Bank went down 10-1 at Cardea despite Danny Hunt’s consolation.
In Division Four, goals from Shane Millar (2) and Tom Grantham gave Long Sutton Reserves a 3-0 win at FC Peterborough Reserves, while Tydd Reserves lost 4-3 to Peterborough NECI and Holbeach A went down 6-1 at Stanground A.
