BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT began their Bostik League premier division campaign with a stunning 3-2 victory at Kingstonian.

It was an outstanding result for Tom Rothery’s R’s, thanks to a brace from summer signing Harvey Hodd and a third by last season’s top scorer, Billy Hunt.

Kingstonian had two players sent off during a fiery last 20 minutes.

Hodd broke the deadlock when volleying home from outside the box, after 14 minutes.

Louie Theophanous levelled almost straight away but Hodd restored Regent’s lead after great work down the left by Jake Clowsley.

Star man Hodd was at it again early in the second half, playing in Hunt who smashed home to make it 3-1.

Kingstonian's Ugo Udoji received his marching orders following a second booking for a foul on Alex Taylor.

And although Muhammadu Faal pulled one back from the penalty spot, the hosts' frustrating afternoon ended on a real low after another dismissal, this time for Elliott Buchanan.

Elsewhere, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS got their division north campaign off to a winning start thanks to a 2-0 victory at home to Soham Town Rangers.

Both goals came in the last half-hour and were scored by Sam Bantick and Luke Callander.

The first came when Bantick gobbled up a chance from close range, after a save from Soham keeper Josh Pope.

Substitute Callander then curled in a shot from the left that went in via the far post.

MALDON AND TIPTREE had to be content with a share of the spoils from their 1-1 draw at home to Mildenhall Town.

De-Carrey Sheriff put them in front on 71 minutes but the visitors quickly levelled through Luke Butcher.

WITHAM TOWN slid to a 2-0 defeat at home to Grays Athletic, following early goals from Shomari Barnwell and Mitchel Hahn.

But COGGESHALL TOWN began life at step four – having been promoted as last season’s Thurlow Nunn League champions – with a 0-0 draw at home to Bowers and Pitsea.