City's Dean Brockman wins this header against Snodland on Saturday

Canterbury City failed to capitalise on an early breakthrough against Snodland and eventually lost Saturday’s Vandanel Kent County League, Premier Division match 5-3.

Royston Gough opened the scoring for City after just two minutes but a weak defensive display always left Canterbury vulnerable to a more experienced Snodland side.

City manager Dave Fairclough said: "We had always said that this was going to be a very different season to the last two. We are coming up against much more experienced players. We had to make a lot of changes today but we can’t afford to be caught on the break as we were by a well-organised Snodland side".

It took Snodland 10 minutes to get back on level terms as Stuart West struck what was to be the first of a hat-trick.

Snodland took the lead when a City attack broke down with West taking possession, skipping past the defence and beating keeper Danny Wrench.

City went close with a Scott Lawford effort that forced a save from Daryl Broadmore and then Craig Southern headed an equaliser from Ben Smith’s cross.

Snodland took the lead again with a long range effort but City refused to concede defeat and it was 3-3 when Dave Read headed in Adam Woollcott’s free-kick.

With City sensing a win and leaving the defence exposed, Snodland took advantage and hit a fourth goal on the break and in the final minute, Lee Sturgeon sealed the win for the hosts from the penalty spot.