Studley BKL 4 Continental Starr 1

THE Bees started the new football season in style with a splendid victory against a Starr side full of commitment.

The visitors even went in front on 11 minutes.

Tony Barker, chasing Sutherland's long clearance, mishit his shot somewhat but the ball still flashed into the net.

Their joy was only temporary as Whittingham and Neath combined well to release Steve Hands.

His cool finish inside the six-yard box brought the game level.

Brown was only inches wide with one header from Johnson's corner before Andy Grubb gave BKL the lead.

Rowland's header found Hands. His through ball allowed Grubb to finish off in style. Both Grubb and Rowlands went close to increasing the lead before the interval.

Starr's assertive attitude enabled them to take the game to BKL, both Sutherland and Brown testing keeper Print, while Hunt struck the woodwork.

BKL were continually being caught by Starr's offside trap but their hard work paid dividends when sub Scott Crane latched onto Hands' quick throw and his strike increased BKL's lead on 75 minutes.

Rowlands and Langstone both had shots blocked by keeper Pring, Grubb drove wide but made amends when his inswinging corner was packed into the net by Andy Pring on 88 mins.

There was still time for Crane to nearly add a fifth, but taking Somnier's pass, he miscued from close range.

This win gives the Bees top spot following other results on the opening day.

l Fixtures - Tonight: Kings Heath v BKL (ko 7.30pm at Alvechurch FC) Saturday: BKL v Handrahan (ko 2.45pm). Monday: BKL v Feckenham (ko 7.30pm)