Faversham 1 Norton Sports 0

SKIPPER Lee Shearer's first-half winner earned new side Faversham the points on the opening day in the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division season in the Swale derby against new-boys Norton Sports at Salters lane on Saturday

However they were pushed all the way by the County League champions, who will reflect on three incidents that cost them the chance of at least a point.

They had a goal disallowed, missed a penalty and saw defender James Brincat sent-off near the end, but gave a good account of themselves that suggests they won't struggle at the higher level.

Faversham paraded four other new signings in their starting line-up and took a 17th minute lead when Norton failed to deal with Damian Abel's corner, and Shearer blasted home. Darren Slatter missed Norton's best first half chance soon afterwards, heading over the bar, following good work by Harry Goodger and Rob Welling.

The second half was only minutes old when Norton thought they scored but referee Neil Baker ruled the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

Goodger involved in the move that led to the penalty (62) when he was tripped by Faversham defender Jamie Sparks. He took the kick himself, but could only watch as it bounced off Kevin Readings to safety.

Brincat got his marching orders (85) when he brought down Dane Luchford to cap Norton's disappointing afternoon, but player-manager Ben Taylor said:"We gave a good account of ourselves, and if we play like that for the rest of the season, we should easily hold our own."

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