Canterbury City start their Vandanel Kent County League Premier Division season away to Lewisham Borough on Saturday on the back of a convincing 6-1 friendly win over a New Romney side that last season gave them some tough matches.

Inspired by four goals from Dave Read, City ran out comfortable winners but there are still question marks over who manager Dave Fairclough (pictured) believes is his best starting XI.

Even as late as Saturday at Bridge, he was experimenting, bringing in John Silman, whose speed was impressive, and beginning with a 4-3-3 formation.

City took the lead after only 20 seconds when Read snatched his first goal following a fine build-up. Silman and Karl Williams constantly had the New Romney defence in a nervous state but an equaliser came after six minutes. City then took control, particularly in midfield where Ben Smith was again outstanding.

Read completed a hat-trick within a half-hour. Royston Gough took City further ahead with a penalty after he had been brought down, and captain Luke Lockhart stormed forward to increase City’s lead.

Read completed his tally with a fierce long shot, by which time City were playing in yet another formation, with three at the back.