JAMES SHORT celebrated his Lordswood debut with the only goal of the game as the new-look home side got their Go Travel Kent League season off to a winning start against Slade Green.

Short, one of four debutants in the Lordswood side, took his chance well in the 30th minute from Mike Cunningham's pass. He beat a couple of defenders and then composed himself before slotting the ball home from 10 yards.

Victory was especially sweet for Lordswood manager Barry Zillwood who had endured the humiliation of seeing his side lose last season's opening two league games 7-1 and 7-0.

“I'm just so pleased for everyone that we've made a winning start,” he said. “The key was a much better pre-season but the heat was stifling and the players did well in the conditions, especially Grant Gallagher who never lets me down.”

Lords nearly fell behind as early as the second minute when Anthony Weir broke through but Andy Battersby was able to deflect the ball away for a corner.

Short, formerly with Bly Spartans, set up John Gissing who shot wide and the same player missed another in the eighth minute after being set up by debut-making Gianluca Peron.

Slade Green were just starting to get on top when Short broke the deadlock. Green went close to equalising two minutes later when Sam Prett sliced his shot wide.

Andy Herbert, making his debut in the Lordswood goal, saved well from Dave Martin early in the second half. Lordswood should have sealed victory in the 75th minute when Dan Hudd crossed to Steve Weeks who drew a good save from Paul Vines.

Herbert did well to save from Weir to keep a clean sheet and Lords' precious lead intact.

Lordswood play away to Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday in the Go Travel Kent League.