Honiton Town made a flying start to life back in the big time with an opening day success at Hatherleigh Town, writes Steve Birley.

What made the result all the more impressive was that last season the North Devon side were unbeaten for a long period in the season and were, at times, amongst the favourites for the title, before finishing in a top four berth.

There was also the not so small matter of the long journey – the longest of the campaign for Town – to Hatherleigh, to consider.

Town boss Blackwell alluded to the issues he had with regards to naming the opening day starting line-up saying: “That was a tough call. Indeed I’d go as far as to say it’s the toughest call in all of my current tenure, and I have certainly had some tough calls to make in recent seasons.

“Fortunately, for my own peace of mind, the selection proved to be justified”.

As for the action the first half was very average and certainly had a look of an opening day game played in warm conditions. Much of the first 45 minutes saw the ball in the midfield area with neither team threatening the others goal.

That all changed after the break with the deadlock broken courtesy of a deft close range flick.

The second goal was one of those that will arguably take some beating this season! Lewis Couch was the scorer, arrowing a free-kick into the top corner.

Just to complete a magnificent opening day performance, Correy Couch rose above everybody else at the far post to nod the ball home and complete the scoring.

The Town defence was superbly marshalled throughout by skipper Darren Witt and Steve Trenchard. However, the Hippo’s Man of the Match award went to Matt Brown. Playing at right back, Brown nullified the usually highly effective Hatherleigh left winger.

Town are not in action this Saturday, but are playing next Wednesday (August 26) when they take on much fancied Elmore at Horsdon Park.

There is action for the Town Reserves who launch their Division Four season at Bow. The newly formed Town third team play their first ever game next Tuesday (August 25) when they travel to Glebe Park to meet another new team, Upottery Reserves.