.
While we await the start of the Northern Prem, here is what happened in the Southern Premier Central where fixtures started today


DATE: SAT 05 AUG 2023    BY STEVE WHITNEY 
Saturday's Premier Division Central Round-Up
A round-up of the opening day's fixtures in the Premier Division Central.

Stratford Town hit Needham Market for six at the Arden Garages Stadium on the opening day of the 2023/24 season. Callum Ebanks gave the Bards an early 3rd minute lead that he doubled in first half injury-time.Three minutes after the break, Riley O’Sullivan added Stratford’s third and he went on to complete his hat-trick with goals in the 82nd minute and then 7 minutes into time added on – Dan Lafferty having squeezed in the other, with Reece Harris netting a 90th minute consolation for the Marketmen.

Three first half goals proved enough for AFC Telford United in their opening game at the New Buck’s Head against Royston Town. Ricardo Dinanga gave the Bucks a 21st minute lead that Remi Walker added to on 34 minutes, with Montel Gibson making it 3-0 in the 40th minute.

Halesowen Town beat one of last season’s play-off sides, Leiston, 2-1 at The Grove.A crowd of 819, despite the weather, saw Miracle Okafor score either side of half-time – in the 36th and 47th minutes – with the visitors replying 4 minutes into stoppage time through Jamar Loza.

Leamington also began with a win, beating another newcomer, Long Eaton United, 2-1 at Your Co-op Community Stadium. Jack Lane after 16 minutes and then Henry Landers in the first minute of stoppage time were the Brakes scorers after Cameron Philp had equalised in the 49th minute.

A crowd of 747 saw Redditch United edge out hosts Bromsgrove Sporting 2-1 at the Victoria Ground. Prince Henry broke the deadlock to give the home side a 72nd minute lead that Reece Flanagan cancelled out within 2 minutes. A Flanagan penalty 4 minutes from time sealed the Reds win.

Hitchin Town won 2-0 at Top Field against Alvechurch. Goalless at the break, Jack Snelus gave the Canaries a 54th minute lead that Finley Wilkinson doubled 15 minutes from time.

Stourbridge enjoyed a good start by beating last season’s runners-up Coalville Town 4-2 at the War Memorial Athletic Ground. Eliot Putman’s spot-kick gave the Ravens an 8th minute lead which Dexter Walters levelled 7 minutes later. Luke Benbow put the Glassboys in front on 36 minutes only for Tom McGlinchey to equalise just after half-time. Joel Shambrook on the hour-mark and Benbow again in the 76th minute sealed Stourbridge’s win.

Mickleover won 2-0 at Westwood Road against St Ives Town.Marcus Barnes bagged a brace in the 38th and 56th minutes.

Stamford attracted a crowd of 818 for the derby with Kettering Town at the Zeeco Stadium and edged a 3-2 verdict. The Poppies had an early 3rd minute lead from the spot converted by Sam Bennett. On 28 minutes, Jack Duffy pulled the hosts level, only for Ty Lewthwaite to restore the visitors lead 10 minutes later. But Rob Morgan on 43 minutes and then James Blunden 20 minutes from time secured Stamford’s win.

AFC Sudbury shared a 1-1 home draw with Barwell.Joe Neal gave the newcomers an early 7th minute lead that Jahvan Davidson-Miller levelled after 16 minutes.