Norwich United started the new season in fine – and familiar – style as they began the defence of their Thurlow Nunn Premier Division title with a win.
The Planters were unable to break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes, although Matty Daniels and Adam Hipperson went close whilst their opponents, newly-promoted Saffron Walden Town, hit the woodwork.
But two goals after the break from hot-shot Mat Blake earned them a 2-0 home success over.
There was a point for another newly-promoted side, Swaffham Town, who twice came from behind in a 2-2 home draw with FC Clacton. The visitors were ahead after 10 minutes but Joe Jackson levelled seven minutes later with a strike from the right-hand side. Clacton reacted swiftly and again took the lead two minutes later, but Swaffham grabbed the point in the 64th minute, when Alex Vincent slammed home a free-kick from 25 yards out.
Gorleston were the only away winners on the opening day with an eighth-minute 30-yarder from Mitchel McKay enough to beat Haverhill Rovers in front of a crowd of 148, the highest in the Premier Division.
Kirkley & Pakefield were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Newmarket Town, Miguel Lopez scoring an equaliser for the Royals on the hour mark.
There were 1-0 opening day defeats for Fakenham Town and Thetford Town, beaten at Stanway Rovers and Whitton United respectively.
In the First Division, Robbie Back got off to a flying start in charge of King's Lynn Town Reserves, who thumped Team Bury 6-0, with two each from Robert Palmer and Dylan Edge. Danny Setchell and Alan Burch completed the scoring.
Dereham Town Reserves went down 4-0 at home to Haverhill Borough.
Great Yarmouth Town were 3-0 winners at Braintree Town.
Sean Perfect and Tom Cullumbine created plenty of chances for Mitch Forbes, Jay Turner and Declan McAvoy, especially during the first 15 minutes.
The end product did not quite match the build-up play, but Town went ahead through an own goal, before two more goals in the five minutes of the second half sealed the win. Turner got the first, on 47 minutes, with a half-volley, and three minutes later Cullumbine slotted the ball into the corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Downham Town were also winners on the road, a goal from substitute Mark Smith 15 minutes from time enough to take the points at Cornard United.
In the United Counties League, Wisbech Town opened with a 3-2 home win over Newport Pagnell Town.
Town included new signing Danny Beaumont, who re-signed for the Fenmen after his summer switch to Wroxham and his deflection from Billy Smith's shot put the hosts ahead on 27 minutes. Stuart Cobb made it 2-0 before the visitors pulled one back just before the break. It was all square on the hour, but Smith sealed the points.
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