Greensleeves opened their Division 3 Campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over newly relegated Tryards.
It wasn't all plain sailing for the Boys in Green, however.
They struggled to get their passing game going in the opening minutes, and gifted Tryards an early lead. When Sam played the ball back to Eddie, all seemed well; Eddie, however, had different ideas, and showed the touch of a young Jimmy Saville to give the Tryards forward an open goal. 0-1.
Greensleeves were rattled. The whole team were hurried in possession and guilty of some sloppy passing. Tryards had another couple of chances, but Eddie redeemed himself with a pair of good saves that kept the boys in the game.
After riding out a tough spell, The Green Army didn't have to wait long for an equaliser. Josh picked the ball up from a throw in, and muscled his way through a couple of challenges before finishing low in the corner from some distance. It was a sight that Greensleeves fans are growing accustomed to; a typically composed, low, finish from the big man. 1-1
Slowly, Greensleeves began to take charge. Matt dragged 2 presentable chances wide. Sam blazed over, and Dave was denied by the keeper when through on goal.
Half time came, and Greensleeves knew they could snatch the lead if the picked up where they had left off in the first half.
Further opportunities were wasted, with both Matt and Sam guilty. Midway through the second half, though, Matt picked up a pass from Dave in midfield, surged past the Tryards defence and slotted home with his left foot. The pressure had told and it was no less than Greensleeves deserved. 2-1.
Confidence was now streaming through the veins of the boys. The passing was crisp and precise, players interchanged positions. Josh and Sam were keen to get forward, and were allowed this opportunity by the industry and team ethic of Dave, who covered whenever they decided to venture into the opposing half.
The third goal wasn't far away, and it came after a lightning break. Matt squared for Sam, who smashed his effort against the the bar. The ball looped up to Matt, who rounded a defender and squared to Sam once more. He made no mistake the second time round, ramming the ball home off the post. 3-1.
The scoring was completed in fine style. A raking 30 yard pass from Josh found Matt, who dribbled past the keeper and scored his second with a firm finish. 4-1.
It was 'olé' time now, Greensleeves monopolised possession, and Tryards were left chasing shadows. They could have added to their total, as they missed further chances. It was not to matter though, as the final whistle blew to end a really impressive display.
It was just the start they wanted and they go into their second fixture against Chicken Kievs in fine form.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Dave's energy has really made a difference to this Greensleeves team. He has done just enough to grab the first MOM award after a strong team performance.
STAT OF THE MATCH: Interestingly, all 4 Greensleeves goals were scored by left-footed shots.
