Denley wins season opener, as new line-ups tested

SAVED : United keeper Matt Savaro blocks a shot from Denley’s Matt Barr in the opening game of the 2017 season.

Denley Academicals opened the 2017 Orange Over 35s football season with a solid 5-1 win over club mates Barnestoneworth United 22 April.

With both sides boosted by pre-season signings from the legendary Brighouse line-up, it was a chance to find new patterns and test new combinations.

Denley opened the scoring when Denley striker Harley Smith ran onto a well-weighted pass from Richie Shields, slotting the ball into the net after a one-on-one dual with keeper Matt Savaro.

Shields notched his second assist for the day soon after when a cut back pass found Nick Hyndes waiting, extending the lead to 2-0 at half time.

Denley’s John Barrie showed his class at the back, cutting off a series of United raids.

Denley struck first in the second half when Harley Smith sent a low cross through then legs of United defenders. Matt Barr punced to score.

Smith, Hyndes and Shields combined to make it four, before Smith again pounced on a Hyndes through- ball to beat the keeper again.

United’s Glenn Harpley broke the drought to end the match, in the right position to finish a corner from Dave Sandercock.

In the other game, Millthorpe scored a win on forfeit after Gladdyatahs were short on numbers at the start of the season.

TUSSLE : New Denley signing Dan Hillier makes a move past United Dan Kennedy in the 22 April season-opener at Stadium Brabbham.