DEFENDING Trowbridge Windows-sponsored Trowbridge & District Football League, Division One champions Luxol St Andrews began the defence of their title at two-time winners Freshford United, who had beaten them 3-2 on the final day of the previous campaign.

On this occasion it was the visitors to Brown’s Park who emerged triumphant thanks to a 4-0 victory.

With all the goals coming in the first half it was Shavon Allen who gave Luxol the lead when he scored from the penalty spot.

Debutant Josh Hard made it 2-0 and former Freshford man Elliott Carris-Smith added number three before a second penalty, this time converted by Mark Reynolds, wrapped up victory for Luxol.

Westbury Town may have lost a number of their Division Two-winning side to The Three Daggers, but a trip to Whaddon Lane was expected to yield three points for new manager Bobbie Cunningham.

However the former Luxol Reserves boss had to settle for a point as his new chargers scored a late equaliser to deny Hilperton United victory.

After a goalless first half it was Hilperton who broke the deadlock when Reuben Spong on his debut for the villagers gave them the lead in the 85th minute and his goal looked as if it had given them all three points.

But thanks to a period of late pressure from the visitors Ashley Easton netted to earn Westbury a share of the spoils.

Melksham Town A with Dave Jenkins now at the helm took his team to Little Marsh for a showdown with his former employers Semington Magpies despite a spirited showing from the hosts who held Melksham to a goalless first half it was the visitors who took the points thanks to a 1-0 success.

Semington who were under the cosh for much of the game finally succumbed to the Melksham onslaught in the 70th minute when James Dark fashioned the winner for Dave Jenkins side.

Stockton & Codford who joined the Trowbridge League from the Salisbury League, hosted last terms top flight runners up Warminster Town Reserves in their opener and the current Wiltshire Junior Cup were involved in a nail-biter that saw Warminster come from behind to claim a 2-2 draw.

Neither team were able to break the deadlock in the first half, but it was Warminster who drew first blood in the second half when Brendan Hind put them in front.

Jason Povey got Stockton on level term when he netted from the penalty spot after Warminster had Simon Farrell sent off.

Nick Sleeman gave Stockton the lead and with victory in their sight’s they conceded a late goal to deny them their first ever league win, Carl Clarke scoring for Warminster to earn his team a draw and deny Stockton victory.

Westbury United Reserves played hosts to Trowbridge Town Reserves in what was a thrilling opening day encounter at Meadow Lane which saw the hosts strike late to claim a 2-1 success.

A first-ever goal for the club from Anthony Cover who scored following great work from Jason Truckle gave Trowbridge a first-half lead.

Westbury restored parity on 85 minutes through Josh Wozniack and with the game in it’s dying embers Josh Gardner scored a controversial winner for Westbury.

Heytesbury were due to welcome near-neighbours White Horse, however the villagers missed out on a fixture following the late withdrawal of the Westbury-based side from the League.