Paggies sparkle in big win over Diamond

The new Newbury Sunday League season got under way at the weekend, a month later than planned after problems with the council-owned pitches meant the start was delayed until the first weekend of October.

It was more than worth the wait for defending champions Paggies Bar FC, who kicked-off with an 8-0 win over Diamond FC to start their defence of the Premier Division title in emphatic fashion.

Both Aaron Voller and Jack Blackmon bagged braces while goals from George Armstrong, Jake Allan, Brad Pagliaroli and Seb Beeny completed the rout for last season's treble winners.

Newbury Lions FC also made a winning start, beating Northworx FC 3-2.

Visitors Northworx had taken the lead when Jordan Forbes stole possession high up the pitch and found Callum Yates, who scored with a spectacular back-heel.

However Newbury responded well and scored twice before the break, adding a third shortly after half time which looked to put the result beyond doubt.

Northworx debutant Dylan Evans reduced the arrears when he pounced to poke home a rebound from a free-kick but it proved too little, too late for the visitors as Newbury held on to pick up three points on the opening day.

Elsewhere, Brimpton Rangers bounced back from a 7-1 Challenge Cup defeat last week, kicking off their Division 1 campaign with a comfortable 4-1 win over Thatcham Tornadoes.

Goals from Patrick Nelligan, Joe Wakefield, George Flanagan and last season's top scorer Sam Mildenhall helped Brimpton to an impressive win.

That result was bettered only by The Lamb Inn, who shot to the top of the Division 1 table thanks to a 7-1 demolition of Thatcham Wanderers.

Meanwhile the spoils were shared between Black Horse Thatcham and Cold Ash, who drew 1-1 in Division 1's other opening day contest.