The new Hemel Hempstead Leisure Leagues season got off to a flying start on Sunday evening.
Recently promoted side AEK Hemel looked the part as they secured their debut Premiership win against The Fellowship – who were unusually under resourced on the night with two first team regulars missing.
AEK had a one-goal advantage at half-time, and thanks to persistent attacks from man of the match Charley Yorke - who netted four in total - his team ran out 10-6 winners.
Fred West Ham also appeared very comfortable in the top flight as they found themselves 4-2 up against Have You Got It at the half-time whistle.
Ashley James stood out from the rest as he scored a hat-trick and also provided a hat-trick of assists for his team mates.
Have You Got It captain Asa Foster did provide his team with several ingenious displays of skill, although it wasn’t sufficient to fuel a serious comeback and Fred West pressed forward to gain a 6-3 win.
Butterflies FC looked convincing in their tie with league comedians Hello Boss, who always provide entertainment for their loyal supporters.
Butterflies front man Lucasz Kucma scored an incredible seven goals in the match and led his team to a 12-1 victory.
Gary Whelan was equally impressive for Hello Boss; while he didn’t score, he went in goal in the second half and made a series of heroic saves, proving his agility and determination between the posts.
Fat Dads were cohesive from the outset as they faced experienced outfit Chicken Kiev.
Man of the match James Lasbrey scored four for Fat Dads and put them out of Kiev’s reach.
Kiev were clearly not at their best and there were some frustrations with their style of play during the game which player/manager Jake Spencer will look to rectify ahead of their next match.
Championship newboys Exeter Gently missed injured captain Chris Richards in their opening tie with Nice To Michu.
Exeter’s loan signing Adam Hill scored with an incredible volley from the half way point and is likely to feature again before he returns to his original club, Hemel Elite.
Despite Hill’s efforts, Nice To Michu played some very attractive football and man of the match Shaun Booth netted seven for his team in between some very skilful moves.
Greg Baxter proved the difference between the sides in Norfolk & Chance’s points match with AEK Hemel. Baxter’s composure on the ball enabled him to set up shots on goal for team mates, while he scored several of his own.
A strong work ethic from team captain Andrew Turner also inspired his team to attack the AEK goal, and this paid dividends as they gained a narrow 10-9 victory.
Last season’s Premier Division champions Puyol Pants Down appeared on top-form as they stormed to a 5-0 advantage by half-time in their match with Hemel Elite.
Craig King, who usually dons the keeper’s jersey, showed off his outfield talents on the night scoring four fantastic goals in total; including high-speed sidekick volleys and a somewhat unusual lob of the goal-keeper.
Puyol’s 8-1 win was, however, not a fair reflection of the determination and sometimes unbelievable talent displayed by Elite player/manager Chris Wyatt, who undoubtedly prevented a more damaging score line.
If you’re interested in joining this exciting league as a team or an individual player, simply call regional manager Gary Connell on 07983 225566.