LONG Wittenham Athletic opened their North Berks League Division 1 campaign in style, coming from behind to beat reigning champions Kintbury Rangers 2-1, writes RICHARD UNDERWOOD.

Toby Bridges fired visitors Kintbury ahead after seven minutes, but Athletic hit back after the break thanks to strikes from Joe Murphy and John Willis.

Max Palmer and Charlie Lee hit two goals each as Berinsfield beat visitors Lambourn Sports 5-3.

David Murphy also netted for the home side, with Aidan Maycock’s hat-trick for Lambourn proving little consolation.

A Tom Stanley brace and a Louis Bloomfield goal earned Saxton Rovers a 3-3 draw at home to league newcomers Burghclere, whose goals were scored by Daniel Langford (2) and Mitchell Willmoth.

Nine-man Stanford in the Vale triumphed 3-2 at home to Wallingford Town, who also finished the game a man down after substitute Louis Chainey was dismissed.

Luke Murphy scored twice alongside a Jamie Tuck effort for the hosts, with Wallingford replying through Steve Hawes and Joe Webber.

Westminster kicked off their Division 2 campaign with a 9-1 thumping of visiting Faringdon Town.

Tom Srawley hit a hat-trick for the hosts.

Further goals came from Joshua Bourton, Dan Hill, Jason Hillis, Michael Hooton, Simon Joyce and Luke Lewis-Rippington.

Faringdon’s consolation came from Jamie Broadfield.

Asha Townsend’s hat-trick gave Dorchester a 3-1 win at Kintbury Res, who replied through Craig Bruce.

Craig Payne and Neil Pimm goals gave Hanney United a 2-0 away win over Sutton Courtenay.

A Luke Willis treble and a brace apiece from Alexander Smallshaw and Michael Gardener gave Benson Lions an emphatic 7-3 win at Compton in Division 3.

Liam Murray (2) and Jack Baker replied for the hosts.

Ardington & Lockinge marked their return to the league with a 6-1 thrashing of Marcham.

Oliver O’Hanlan and Jonathan Dix each struck twice alongside goals from Luke Wilkins and Jamie Gregory, while David Yallop scored for the visitors.

OTHER SCORERS

Div 2: Hungerford Tn Swifts 3 (C Allsop 2, G Smith), Steventon 0.

Div 3: Highworth Tn Dev 4 (B Fenwick 2, J Ouldridge, K O’Daly), Watlington Tn 1 (J Little).

Div 4: Coleshill Utd 4 (S Blake 2, A Lynham, J Tranter), Blewbury 5 (B Ingram 3, M Hollick, C Crickmore); Drayton 2 (N Merry, L Collacot), Hagbourne Utd 1 (G Shears).