It is a well known fact that the first league game of the year isn't going to be too influential on the outcome of the rest of the season, but this weeks' results blasted my predictions of last week out of the window.
Croydon FC began their home fixtures with a defeat against Heybridge Swifts, who also beat them in the League Cup Final last season.
There was also a home reverse for Dulwich Hamlet against Whyteleafe, but the surprise of the day came at Dorking where Croydon Athletic also suffered a defeat.
Into the Premier Division of the Ryman League first and Croydon FC who lost 3-2 at the Arena to Heybridge Swifts. The scoreline suggests a close game and that is exactly what it turned out to be.
Croydon had the best of the early chances, but it was Heybridge who drew first blood when Lee fired home on 37 minutes. The home team soon replied, and after a foul on McDonnell, Croydon's Peter Garland smashed a free kick from all of 30 yards past the stranded keeper to level the game.
Croydon took control of the game and went in front during first half injury time, when Craig Dundas fired home.
The second period was a different story with Heybridge eventually drawing level on 59 minutes.
With the home side back-pedalling, Heybridge substitute, Taylor scored the winner to break Croydon hearts three minutes from time.
In Division One the game of the day which saw two of our sides Dulwich Hamlet and Whyteleafe battle it out for the points in a fiercely contested local' derby.
Dulwich had the home advantage and started as favourites to take the points, but Whyteleafe had other ideas deservedly earning their 3-0 win.
Into Division Three and the surprise of the day for me, Croydon Athletic going down 2-1 away at Dorking after taking a first half lead through Paul Bains.
It's early days and along with all the expectations of managers, players and supporters alike, there are a lot of twists and turns on the road to the championship.
See you all next week.
Fixtures - Saturday August 25
Basingstoke Town v Croydon FC (Premier)
Whyteleafe v Thame United (Div 1)
Bognor Regis Town v Dulwich Hamlet (Div 1)
Croydon Athletic v Wokingham Town (Div 3)
Fixtures - Monday August 27
Croydon FC v Hampton & Richmond Borough (Prem)
Worthing v Whyteleafe (Div 1)
Walton & Hersham v Dulwich Hamlet (Div 1)
Flackwell Heath v Croydon Athletic (Div 3)
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