Haywards Heath had to work hard for their opening day three points against an Eastbourne Utd side who should have walked away with at least a point.

At a sun kissed Home Smart Energy Stadium the visitors made all the first half running as Heath struggled to create any momentum going forward. Utd had some glorious chances to take the lead in the first 30 minutes, the home side indebted to Mitch Bromage making save after save and shots missing the target.

Against the run of play Heath took the lead, Darius Goldsmith with the cute finish past the keeper and into the bottom corner, Utd rueing the efforts they had to be in front. A goalmouth scramble almost had them level just before half time as the referee blew his whistle for both a foul and the interval.

The second half was certainly more of a sedate affair, Eastbourne simply not able to keep hold of possession when it was gained and Heath content to pepper the opposition into leaving space across the pitch.

The points were wrapped up in the 86th minute, substitute Hayden Skerry bundled over in the box, Lewis Finney making no mistake from the spot to give the home side an opening day three points.

Attendance: 354