Holmesdale picked up their first win of the new season with a stylish performance against a good Lydd side at Oakley Road on Saturday.

Thanks to four first half goals and a controlled performance over the whole ninety minutes.

After an open start to the match Dale took the lead on 7 minutes when Shameek Farrell ended a strong run with an excellent driven finish to make it 1-0.

Lydd striker McLeod then had an effort saved by Edwards, before Holmesdale’s Nathan Palmer went close twice, shooting narrowly over and then having a shot saved by Barnes when well placed soon after.

Ola Rabiu was next to go close for the home side firing over once and hitting the bar with another shot after a powerful run into the box the pressure eventually paid off on 28 mins when Britnell crossed for Rabiu to convert from close range to make it 2-0.

The game then opened up with Lydd coming back into things on 36 mins when Dale Horton showed great footwork to create space in the box and fire past Edwards to make it 2-1.

Dale then took the initiative again though and soon after Britnell was brought down in the box for a penalty, which Palmer fired down the middle, wrong footing the keeper to make it 3-1.

Then three minutes before the break Holmesdale made it 4-1 when Farrell finished off a good run with a low finish into the bottom corner of the net to send the home side in three goals clear.

The second half was much tighter, but Dale still made it five on 50 mins when Farrell completed his hat trick bringing down a loose ball from a cross and hooking it home from six yards out in a crowded area.

Rabiu hit the bar before Lydd pulled goal back when Horton hit a dipping effort from range which caught out Edwards in the home goal to make it 5-2 on 55 mins.

A long throw from Holmesdale left back Dale Carpenter found Jake Eels whose header was well saved by Barnes, before Lydd had a good spell, although they couldn’t find another way through the home defence.

After a quiet spell Dale went close late on through Palmer and Belazegue, before Barnes made a brave save at the feet of Rabiu as Lee Roots’ side finished the stronger.

Holmesdale: Edwards Belzegue Carpenter Ward Eels Shields Britnell Adenola Rabiu Palmer Farrell.

Subs Rathbone Thomas Kader Sadiku Jeanoel

Goals: Dale – Farrell 7, 42, 50 mins, Rabiu 27, Palmer 39 pen.

Lydd – Horton 36 & 55 mins.

Att: 68