HORNDEAN started their Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division campaign with a 2-1 defeat at home to Lymington Town.

Harry Jackson gave the hosts the lead in the first half, but Mickey Finch equalised for the visitors before the break.

Horndean’s Jack Maloney was sent off in the second half for a second yellow card, and Finch then scored his second to give the visitors the lead.

The Deans’ Jack Lee was sent to the sin bin as the hosts finished with nine men.

Horndean manager Michael Birmingham was disappointed to start the new season with a defeat.

He said: “It’s not the result we hoped for, but they’re a very strong side and it wasn’t the ideal first game of the season.

“We had enough chances to win the game by half time, but we didn’t show enough desire and character in their box.

“We didn’t pass the ball in the second half and we got sucked into what they do.”