With the new English league already underway, it was the turn of the IFA Scottish League to kick off at the weekend. British Cup runners-up Hearts opened up their campaign with a 2-0 win at St Johnstone, an early goal from Stewart and an own goal saw the visitors take the spoils.
South of the border the game of the day saw Crawley, embarking on their first full IFA season, entertain Coventry. In a see-saw game that mirrored the big boys game later that afternoon, Crawley took a two goal lead, before Coventry pulled it back to 2-2 through Luke Hand and Aaron Lewis either side of half time. Unlike the afternoon game however, the Midlands side took the spoils with a winner from Steve Duckett, who netted at the second time of asking, his initial shot blocked by a home defender.
Action from the Crawley – Coventry match
Crawley & Coventry line up before Saturday’s game
Elsewhere, Manchester City notched a second win on the bounce, with goals from Stuart Manifould, Sam Bourke (2), Sam Walthall and Sean Fagan sealing a 5-2 win against Bury A, for whom the prolific Nev Hardman was on target, along with Danny Morgan. Bury B also fell to a defeat, going down 1-2 at home to Marine, with Jake Wilson grabbing both goals for the Merseysiders.
Also in the North West, Rochdale opened up their season with a 2-0 win over Port Vale with goals from Jan Harwood and Jonny Hall. Telford’s Matthew Bethell scored the first IFA hat-trick of the season to help his team to a 4-1 win at Crewe, for whom ‘keeper Dave Hume thankfully escaped serious injury after a nasty clash. Richard Hyde added the 4th Telford goal, while Andy Wicks’ scored the home side’s consolation.
Finally, a Hertfordshire Derby saw Stevenage kick off their new season with a 4-1 win at Barnet, their first league win since February. Rob Fitzgerald (2), Casey De-Val and Charlie Stapleton notched for the visitors, while Joe Cullum was replied for the Bees.
Week Two full results announced so far;
Barnet 1 Stevenage Supporters Association FC 4
Forever Bury A 2 Manchester City 5
Motley Crewe 1 AFC Telford United 4
Forever Bury B 1 AFC Marine 2
Rochdale 2 Portly Vale 0
Crawley 2 Coventry City SFC 3
PSJ Saints (St Johnstone) 0 Real Maroon (Hearts) 2
The latest league table can be found here…