The Ryman Premier Division season got underway with new look United under Bob Dowie parading in their new 'Ajax' style strip with no less than six players making their debuts, plus Cliff Hercules returning home after his sabbatical with Slough Town.

Now a centre-back, Hercules formed a strong partnership with Warren Kelly who was given the honour of wearing the captain's armband. A couple of slip-ups by Jason Court very nearly proved costly but Richard Wilmot and Kenrick Roudette foiled the danger.

Thereafter United's midfield began to take control and the Robins defence looked nervous against the pace of Gary Crawshaw and Corey Browne. With the Chicken Run Band's rendition of Escape to Victory, it was Crawshaw who escaped his marker to give United the lead just before the interval.

The game was far from a classic, but after the turmoils of the previous season the crowd were quite content to watch the score stay at 1-0.

Just before time Browne made a forceful run into the box and was brought down by Woods for a clear penalty. Up stepped Crawshaw to make no mistake and United's 2-0 victory was secured.