In steamy conditions, the Mead came from a goal down to clinch an opening day win in some style against the ten Swifts from Heybridge.

With the home side ahead through a stunning free kick from Correy Davidson, the Mead levelled through some part of Tyrus Gordon-Young’s anatomy as the home keeper missed a Tommy Spillane free kick, before stand in skipper Richard Butler slid in to win the game for the visitors as the woodwork denied Gordon-Young a second four minutes from time to seal what for long periods in the first half looked unlikely as the heat initially looked like being the only winner.

Indeed in glorious sunshine, thoughts at kick off were more akin to the summer game than our winter sport and for periods it showed with neither side creating more than half chances.

Butler shot straight at the keeper early on before Gordon-Young tested home keeper Sam Cowler from distance. At the other end Shamido Pedulu could possibly have played in Davidson rather than shooting wide, before Pedulu received a yellow card for a horribly late lunge on Mead keeper Andy Walker.

The second half was so much better and began with both keepers excelling – Cowler to deny Theo Fairweather-Johnson before Walker made a stunning full length save to deny Pedulu.

The home side did take the lead just past the hour when Davidson gloriously curled home a free kick from the edge of the box giving Walker no chance.

The Mead were level though shortly afterwards and it’s a goal that Cowler will not want to see again!

Spillane launched a free kick into the box and as the keeper was challenged by Gordon-Young, the ball bounced off some part of the striker’s back and almost apologetically rolled into the net.

The game then significantly turned the Mead’s way as Josh Fagbohun was sent off for a horribly late lunge on the magnificent Jack Barry (indeed his partnership with Farai Hallam was the undoubted highlight for the Mead) as the visitors took control.

The visitors supremacy was then rewarded with what proved to be the winner six minutes from time when Gordon-Young powered a header against Heybridge’s right post and as the ball rolled agonisingly along the goal line, stand in skipper Butler was on hand to win the game for the Mead.

And in truth there could have been more as twice substitute Ainsley Everitt went close. The young winger did put the ball in the net with a 25 drive which was disallowed for “offside”, before forcing Cowler into the save of the game in stoppage time.

First team coach Darran George spoke after the game, and was naturally delighted with the result. “Heybridge is always a hard place to go and get a result for us so yes it’s a brilliant start for us. We showed great character and determination to grind out a result which I’ve no doubt we will have to do again throughout the season.”

“Credit where credit is due though,” Darran continued, “even after going behind to a very well taken free kick, the lads kept going and got their rewards with two goals in the 20 minutes the winner coming in the 83rd minute which is pleasing as our fitness levels on a very warm afternoon looked good.

The best possible start then for the Mead before the derby with Thurrock as Monday Night Football comes to the SCT.

The Mead – Andy Walker, Michael Aziaya (Ainsley Everitt), Tommy Spillance, Theo Fairweather-Johnson (Baff Addae), Jack Barry, Farai Hallam, Richard Butler, Lewis Dark, Tyrus Gordon-Young, Michael Uwezo, Nathan Koranteng (Jay Porter)

Subs not used – Marc Gorbell, Bodi Anidugbe