Holcombe began their return to the Premier Division with a 2-1 win over Wimbledon at Holcombe Park courtesy of fourth-quarter goals from debutant Olivia Shannon and Emma Bandurak.

New Zealander Shannon gave Holcs the lead in front of a packed terrace, firing past Jess Buchanan after good work from another debutant in Evie Younger before ex-Holcombe player Beth Bingham levelled things up inside the last five minutes.

Bandurak put the hosts back in front with just over a minute remaining from a penalty corner which went in via a deflection from a defender, with no time left for the Wombles to equalise again at the other end.

Nick Bandurak’s team had largely been the better side without creating too many clear-cut chances. A new back-five system stifled the attacking players of former Holcombe coach Kevin Johnson for long spells and led to very few chances for the away side, their goal also coming from a set play.

Shannon linked up well with Hannah Bond for the first opportunity of the game, the former’s shot deflected off-target via a defensive stick before fellow Kiwi Kaitlin Cotter, also making her Holcombe debut, forced a good save out of Buchanan from an early penalty corner.

Cotter’s movement from right-wing-back was causing all kind of problems at this stage in the first quarter, this time being found by captain Harriet Pittard but Cotter could not connect cleanly on the reverse.

Tilly Woodhead was forced into action for the first time midway through the second period as she rushed out to clear a dangerous ball into the circle before Bond produced a fine save from Buchanan at another Holcombe penalty corner shortly before the half-hour mark.

Woodhead again did well to deny the Wombles late in the half to ensure the two sides went in level.

The third quarter was a low-key affair with the only chance coming Wimbledon’s way on the break, with Shannon cutting inside to fire powerfully past Buchanan just a couple of minutes into the final period after Younger’s set-up.

Wimbledon pushed forward in hopes of a fast reply but fired over on the reverse from close range before a penalty corner led to a re-award which was then deflected wide.

Another powerful effort flashed wide of Woodhead’s post before, with four minutes to go, Bingham managed to prod home after something of a goalmouth scramble at another corner.

Bandurak’s strike then crept over the line in the final 70 seconds or so to spark jubilation on the pitch and in the terrace as Holcombe held on for three points to begin the season.

Holcombe travel to Bowdon this weekend looking for consecutive wins with this weekend’s host having lost 1-0 to the University of Nottingham on the opening day.

Image: Jon Goodall