Havering started their Essex division 2 East mixed league campaign with a short trip down the A12 to face Brentwood. The majority of the squad had been part of Havering's National Plate winning team from last season but welcomed some new faces in the form of Alex Semon, Connor Poulain, Jack Barlow and Mike Smith.

The game started well for Havering as they kept good early possession of the ball despite certain players struggling to keep their footing on the slippery Brentwood surface. Paul Dover opened the scoring with a strike from the top of the D and quickly added a second with a deflected effort after a flowing team move. Somewhat against the run of play and after a poor pass out of the Havering defence Brentwood had their first attack, Andy Macey made a good initial save but the Brentwood forward reacted the quickest to tap home the rebound.

It was not long before Havering restored their two goal cushion, Blaise Copeland surged down the right and played the ball back to Poulain who shot across the keeper into the bottom corner of the goal. Soon after Dover completed his hat-trick with another fine strike from the top of the D. With half time approaching Havering were awarded a penalty flick after Captain Paul Johnson was fouled as he was about to shoot, Adam Lumbers stepped up and flicked the ball into the corner of the net. Half Time 1-5

Into the second half Havering continued to put pressure on the home side but failed to capitalize on a number of scoring opportunities. Midway through the half Dover teed up Johnson in the D who calmly placed a reverse stick shot past the keeper and with the match approaching its end Poulain picked up his second goal of the match with a neat deflection from Smith's pass.

A good first performance for the Havering mixed side who will host local rivals Romford at Campion on Sunday.