PREMIER DIVISION

THE big guns in the Premier Division all began the season with victories, with North End United, Moyne Rangers, Shamrock Rovers and Gorey Rangers all getting off to winning starts.

Champions North End began their defence with a 4-0 win away to newly-promoted Tombrack, although it wasn’t quite a walk in the park for the visitors, with Sky Blues goalkeeper Lee Walker making a couple of good saves at vital times to keep the hosts out.

Jason Murphy gave the town side the lead and Kyle Dempsey added a double either side of the break to put them in control.

Shane Dempsey wrapped up the victory late on after a flowing move, with the midfielder’s finish matching the slick build-up.

Last season’s runners-up Moyne Rangers had a far more dramatic victory, as they scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to break Bridge Rovers’ hearts, edging them out 3-2.

The Castlebridge outfit took the lead on the hour mark through Daniel Murphy and the points looked to be in the bag when Kevin Byrne doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining.

However, Peter Marsden pull a goal back for the visitors to kick-start the fightback and Peter O’Rourke levelled matters with four minutes remaining.

The turnaround was complete deep into injury time when Marsden bagged his second to grab a priceless victory from the jaws of the defeat.

Fellow Enniscorthy outfit Shamrock Rovers also collected three points on the opening day, as they travelled to face New Ross Celtic and came away with a 3-1 win.

Eamonn O’Brien, Ricky Fox (penalty) and Marty Kelly got the goals for the visitors, with Eoin Rhodes grabbing the Celtic reply from a free-kick.

Gorey Rangers are fancied by many to make a serious push for the title this term and they began in encouraging fashion with a 3-0