Opening-day Southern Counties East League Premier Division weekend round-up as Hythe Town, Bearsted, Kennington, Snodland Town, Whitstable Town and Hollands & Blair win

Ira Jackson started life as Hythe boss in impressive fashion with an opening-day Southern Counties East League Premier Division victory at Corinthian on Saturday.

Alex Barnes put the Cannons ahead in the 18th minute and an own goal by a home player before half-time doubled Hythe’s lead at Gay Dawn Farm.

After the restart, Isaac Hadlow completed the 3-0 win while 16-year-old defender Ethan Cole shone.

Whitstable earned a 2-1 home win over another of the pre-season promotion favourites Punjab United.

Javaun Splatt bagged a first-half brace in front of a 625-strong crowd at The Belmont to leave Jack Hopkins’ goal in the 28th minute in vain for Chipie Sian’s side.

A stoppage-time Sutton Athletic goal denied Faversham Strike Force their first Southern Counties East League Premier Division win.

Substitute Alfie Eldridge netted in the 96th minute after Harry Taylor had put Stuart Benfield’s side ahead on 80 minutes.

All the goals came in the second period as Kennington saw off Chislehurst Glebe 2-1 at Homelands.

Euan Biggleston and Kimsley Gatakata netted for Dan Scorer’s side to leave Jamie Philpot’s 94th-minute goal in vain for the away team.

Substitute Mark Boruk got the game’s only goal as Bearsted were 1-0 winners at Holmesdale.

Snodland secured a 2-1 success at Stansfeld in another match with plenty of late drama.

Asanti Amoah broke the deadlock in the 76th minute and, while Sam Plant quickly cancelled that goal out, Harry Hudson’s 89th-minute goal was the difference.

Kristian Wigg’s goal in the eighth minute helped Hollands & Blair win 1-0 at home against Phoenix Sports.

All the goals came in the first half as Larkfield & New Hythe shared the spoils from their 1-1 draw at home against Erith & Belvedere.

An own goal for