Ben Parkin had a debut to remember for FC CLACTON as his double strike earned the Seasiders a Thurlow Nunn League premier division point at newly-promoted Swaffham Town.

Parkin twice put Clacton ahead in the tenth and 20th minutes, but the hosts drew level on both occasions, with their second equaliser coming in the 65th minute.

However, there were full points hauls for both STANWAY ROVERS and BRANTHAM ATHLETIC on the opening day of the campaign.

At the Hawthorns, a 55th minute goal was enough for Stanway to win against visiting Fakenham Town, while 1-0 was also the result as Brantham beat Godmanchester Rovers at home.

Sean Bartlett’s first-half goal was the difference between Athletic and last season’s premier division runners-up, but the hosts ended the game with ten men as Ryan Bedingfield was sent off late on.

Ray Turner rolled back the years by becoming WIVENHOE TOWN’S hero as the Dragons opened the Thurlow Nunn League season with a victory.

Having been relegated from the premier division at the end of last year, Mo Osman’s team made an important statement of intent with an opening day win against visiting Woodbridge Town.

The Dragons staged the game on Friday evening and were rewarded for their move by a crowd of 256, who turned up at the Maple Tree Cars Stadium to see them win this division one encounter 2-1.

Owen Bryan got Wivenhoe’s first goal, but the winner came from Turner, who proved what a great addition to the squad he could be this season.

Having served with distinction for the Dragons in the early part of his career, he has returned in a player/coach role this summer and showed he has lost none of his goal scoring instincts by popping in the deciding strike late in the game.

There was also late goal drama the following day at HALSTEAD TOWN in division one.

Mark Benterman’s team opened their campaign at Rosemary Lane in front of another big crowd as 205 saw them draw 1-1 with Leiston Reserves.

However, the spectators had to wait a long time for the goals to come as the visitors took the lead in the 91st minute, only to concede an equaliser even deeper into time added on at the end.

There were no opening day points for BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES, though, as they lost 3-0 at home to Great Yarmouth Town.