LITTLE OAKLEY launched their Thurlow Nunn League first division south campaign with a hugely-satisfying 2-0 victory at Burnham Ramblers.
Three points and a clean sheet represented a dream start for Matt Carmichael's side, who broke the deadlock within the first few minutes thanks to a looping header from Greg Rodger.
Jake Kioussis supplied the pinpoint cross and the Acorns grabbed their second after the break, after a weak backpass to the Ramblers keeper.
Harry Mann nipped in and took full advantage, doubling his side's advantage.
Luke Mayhew could have extended the lead further - only to see a late penalty saved.
Overall, though, Oakley could be well-satisfied from their opening-day efforts and the same goes for Tendring neighbours HOLLAND FC, who defeated last season's runners-up, COGGESHALL UNITED, 2-1 at the W&S Scaffolding Community Stadium.
Steve Eaton notched a brace in new manager Paul Phelan's first game in the Holland hotseat.
Matthew Gray was the architect of both goals.
Two more Tendring sides - HARWICH AND PARKESTON and BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES - met at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak.
They shared the spoils from an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The Shrimpers looked in a comfortable position at half-time thanks to strikes from talented teenager Ross Purll and Jordan Heath.
However, to their great credit, Brightlingsea staged a fightback thanks to two goals either side of the hour-mark from Daniel Boxall.
Unfortunately, it wasn't such a good say for WIVENHOE TOWN or HALSTEAD TOWN.
The latter, surprisingly, crashed to a 5-0 defeat at home to Wormley Rovers.
The visitors scored twice in the first half and three times after the break.
The Dragons' defeat was by the much closer margin of 3-2, at Frenford.
Trailing at the break, the hosts made it two before summer signing Tom Lakin halved the deficit with a penalty on his debut for Gary Monti's men.
Frenford reclaimed their two-goal lead before a second Wivenhoe strike from Lewis Stantiall.
The Dragons pushed for a leveller but unfortunately it wasn't to be.
There are three eye-catching first division south fixtures on Tuesday night.
Brightlingsea entertain Halstead, Coggeshall host Wivenhoe and Harwich have a home date with Holland.
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