Newcomers South East United and Ulverstone experienced contrasting winless welcomes to the NPL Tasmania.
A healthy turnout at Sorell’s South East Complex witnessed United’s historic arrival into statewide competition which ended in a 2-1 loss to Eastern Shore rivals Clarence.
Fresh from an unbeaten Southern Championship campaign and Lakoseljac Cup final appearance, Adam Shackcloth’s team was able to celebrate a stunning strike from Sam Sartori.
However, goals in each half from Zebras’ Ryan Lynch and Moses Khasif saw last season’s wooden spooners instantly equal their number of victories.
Meanwhile, Ulverstone conceded home advantage and then double figures as Devonport stormed to an emphatic 10-2 victory.
Strikers made the most of the match being moved to Valley Road by putting on a clinical display of delightful team goals.
Former NPL Golden Boot winner Brody Denehey marked his return with a hat-trick, Josh Tollervey and Lachlan Vanneutegem both claimed braces as Connor Parke, Jordan Payne and Courage Layweh completed the rout. Ulvy cemented their elevation to the big time by registering a goal in each half from Bailey Dickson.
Champions South Hobart kicked off their title defence with a come-from-behind 5-1 win at Launceston United.
Trailing to a third-minute Bensali Turay penalty, South powered home thanks to a hat-trick from three-time competition best and fairest Nick Morton and singles to Devine Samuel and Sam Berezansky.
The most thrilling finish of the round came at Prospect where Launceston City were behind with a minute left but salvaged a remarkable 2-1 win over Glenorchy.
Khan Huseyin put Knights ahead 13 minutes from time but Ben Berlese came off the bench to equalise before Will Humphrey rifled in a stunning stoppage-time winner.
After a 22-goal campaign last season, Kingborough’s prolific no.9 Noah Mies wasted no time getting off the mark again, grabbing the only goal in Lions’ 1-0 win over Riverside.
Reigning NPL golden glove winner Nick O’Connell was also responsible for securing the points with several fine saves on his return from South Hobart.
Friday witnessed the opening round of the Lakoseljac Cup in which Olympia Warriors won 3-1 at New Town White Eagles, Hobart City beat University 3-2 and a Yianni Anagnostis hat-trick helped Barnstoneworth United to a 4-3 win against Hobart United.