It took a late Sayku Treore wonder strike to give Snodland Town a deserved victory in an entertaining opening SCEFL Premier clash with Rusthall, at a sun-drenched GI Landscapes Stadium.

Both teams came into the game full of optimism for a successful season ahead. Snodland under a new management team, led by player/manager Connor Dymond, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Whilst Rusthall kept the core of the squad that came so close last season, after losing in the play-off final on penalties last term. They have added to this with some shrewd acquisitions, including former Chatham Town and Hereford United Striker Lekan Osideko.

The match started slowly in the very warm conditions, with Rusthall edging the opening quarter of an hour. Winger Josh Reid was particularly prominent with some pacey runs on both wings, albeit without seriously threatening the home goal. Their best opening in this period coming from a long ball forward that saw Lekan Osideko just fail to get to the ball before the out rushing Frankie Leonard in the Snodland goal.

Snodland came into the game more soon after the first half hydration break. The excellent Nathaniel Olawole, a constant threat on both flanks throughout the afternoon, shot straight at the keeper following a great mazey run into the box. Then he followed that up soon after with another strike from the edge of the box. Serine Sanneh in the visitor’s goal fumbled the save to the oncoming Chris Alhassan, but he failed to take advantage, shooting tamely at the Rusthall stopper.

The half finished with a flurry of chances at both ends. Snodland skipper Emmanuel Shoderu perhaps should have done better when heading over from a Bobby Dunn corner. Then Dunn himself took a long shot that went straight at Sanneh.

Rusthall, not to be outdone went close themselves in added time. First, following some clever footwork, Thompson Adeyemi fired a rasping shot that was tipped over the bar by Leonard. Then right on the half time whistle, a long free kick forward found Olawole free in the box, but again Leonard in the home goal was equal to the fierce shot on target.

Snodland came out of the traps quick at the start of the second period. A Dunn free kick on the edge of the area that just curled wide was followed up by creating a couple of half chances from a series of corners. Then Tyler Jackson-Hunt went close shooting just over following some great build up play.

It wasn’t until the hour mark before Rusthall started to threaten. A fine Robbie Bissett run from deep ended with a shot over the bar, then the energetic Reid came in from the wing to fire an effort just wide of the post.

The last 15 minutes saw both teams up the tempo in an attempt to find a winner. Harry Hudson saw his shot heading for the bottom corner, only for Sanneh to save well at the foot of the post. Soon after Alhassan, who was impressive holding the ball up all game, shot just wide from a good position. Rusthall themselves had a golden opportunity to take the points 5 minutes from time when Bissett headed over from close range following a corner.

Snodland finally found the winner in the 86th minute. A long clearance out of defence found substitute Sayku Treore free on the left wing. He looked up and saw Sanneh well off his line and proceeded to lift the ball over the keeper and into the empty net from 25 yards out.

Despite some later Rusthall pressure, forcing several late corners, the home side held out comfortably to open their account for the season. On this performance today, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both sides in the mix for league honours this season.

Up next it will be FA Cup action for both teams. Snodland travel to Faversham Strike Force on Friday evening, while Rusthall entertain Knaphill the following day.

Snodland Town – Leonard, Jackson-Hunt (Brand 90), Bolarinwa, Fitchett. Akpoefafe, Dunn (King 75), Hudson, Shoderu (c), Olawole, Scott (Treore 72), Alhassan

Unused Subs – Benning, Shepherd

Rusthall – Sannah, Hammond, Griffin, Bissett (c), Rahman, Lawal, Adeyemi, Njuguna (Clarke 73), Reid, Kirby, Osideko (Sahni 81)

Unused Subs – Atta, Owen

Referee – Mr. Cannon

Attendance – 347