THERE were plenty of goals on the opening weekend of the Thurlow Nunn League season.

Harwich and Parkeston made their long-awaited return to step six football and began life in division one south with a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to White Ensign.

The Shrimpers fought back from 3-1 down thanks to goals from new skipper Jordan Heath, Nicky Palmer and Jake Richardson.

The match was watched by a bumper crowd of 176.

There was also a hat-full of goals at neighbours Little Oakley as the hosts defeated much-fancied Hashtag United 3-2.

The Acorns also fought back from behind and their scorers were Harry Man, Stephen Polley and Sam Eldridge.

Holland FC were too strong for Braintree Town Reserves, running out 3-0 winners at their new Eastcliff ground thanks to goals from Chris Ribchester, Jimmy Webb and Steve Eaton, while Halstead Town were pegged back and drew 2-2 at home to May and Baker.

The Humbugs had led 2-0 thanks to goals from Jake Brown and Jordan Pavett.

George Smith scored on his debut for Wivenhoe Town but the Dragons had to share the spoils from a 1-1 draw at home to Wormley Rovers.

In the premier division, FC Clacton got the ball rolling with a trip to Hadleigh United on Friday night.

They made a dream start through Karl Andrade but were pegged back before the break and eventually succumbed to a 5-1 defeat.

Brantham Athletic kicked-off with a 2-1 victory at Kirkley and Pakefield, thanks to two goals from George Clarke.

Stanway Rovers began life in the Essex Senior League with a home match against Takeley.

However, it proved a disappointing day as they slumped to a 5-1 defeat.