Ashford Town made a nightmare start to their Ryman League Division 1 South campaign on Saturday, losing 7-0 at Croydon Athletic.

Their chief destroyer was striker Gary Noel, who scored five times for the south London club, including all four of their first half goals.

Noel, Scott Forrester and Ben Dogrey then added further goals in the second half, and Ashford's misery was made complete when - with manager Steve Lovell (pictured) having already used his three substitutes - injuries late in the game to Dan Scorer and Mitchell Sherwood meant the Nuts and Bolts finished the match with nine men.

Ashford will now look to restore some pride in their first home game on Wednesday against Merstham, who drew 2-2 at home with Met Police on Saturday.

Folkestone Invicta opened their Ryman League Division 1 South campaign with a goalless draw at home to Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.

Both sides had chances to win the match, especially in the second half as the game opened up, but in the end they seemed happy to settle for a point.

Invicta had gone into the game without their captain and record goalscorer, striker James Dryden, who was ruled out by a knee injury. He was replaced by new signing David Cory, who made his Invicta debut, while Michael Yianni made his first senior start for his hometown club.

On Wednesday Invicta are away to Eastbourne Town, who also drew 0-0 in their opening game at Walton Casuals.