Slough get off to a flier

Slough, four times champions, got the new season off to a flying start with three goals in the opening nine minutes to beat Balsam Leicester 3-0 with newcomer Jane Smith scoring twice in three minutes and then setting up the third goal for Mandy Nicholls. Thereafter they let Leicester off the hook, losing their rhythm with a string of substitutes and woeful finishing.

Another newcomer, Denise Marston-Smith, scored on her debut for Clifton, but it was not enough to stop champions Hightown taking the points with goals from Linda Carr and Yana Williams in a 2-1 win.

In Division One, promoted Olton notched up seven after Tanya Banyard had given Blueharts a second-minute lead, Lucilla Wright leading the way with a couple of goals. 15-year-old Laura Gittins celebrated her first League appearance, scoring the last goal in Canterbury's 3-0 win against Bradford Swithenbank who missed Great Britain's captain Jill Atkins, resting after Atlanta.

Newcomers Lewes were in form in Saturday's Division One games of the men's National League with an 8-2 win away at Bromley. Jeremy Boyse claimed four and Marcus Faithfull a couple. Bill Waters and Colin Edwards completed the scoring.

Oxford Hawks went down 2-1 at Brooklands and Warrington took a 3-0 hammering at Harleston Magpies. The day's top scorer was Dean Enon with all five in Gloucester City's 5-0 win against Trojans.

Results, Digest, page 19