The first day of the Southern Combination Football League Division Two, saw two teams full of desire and enthusiasm. Dragons Green was warm but surrounded by gloomy dark grey clouds, bringing a dramatic backdrop. 

After a number of preseason matches the players came out in battle mode. Both teams created opportunities but it was the away team who scored first. Rudgwick curled in a high corner and whilst the defenders were stood like statues, Max Furber jumped highest and headed home after 20 minutes.

Just before the referee blew for halftime, TD Shipley were pressing for an equaliser. They worked it down the right and tossed the ball into the box, it came to Adam Campbell-Stone who volleyed it into the net from six yards. 

The second half was back and forth with both teams not settling for a draw. Rudgwick hit the post but it was Brad Curtis wearing the red of TD Shipley who smashed the ball in. The Man of the match was the striker Adam Campbell-Stone, always dangerous in front of goal. 

The game ended 2-1 to the Dragons and the perfect opening day start. On Saturday Rudgwick travel to Capel and The Dragons play Rustington next week.