Blackstones beat Sandiacre in their first match of the United Counties League season
Two goals inside the opening 17 minutes helped set Blackstones on their way to an opening day victory on Saturday.
Scott Waumsley and Nathan Rudman were both on target as Stones secured a 2-0 home success over Sandiacre in their Division One clash.
They handed starts to the returning duo of goalkeeper Max Peverell and Herbie Panting as well as Ewan Simmons.
Stones twice went close in the opening minutes as Rudman fired an early shot on goal while a strong run and shot from Waumsley brought a good save out of the Sandiacre goalkeeper.
Peverell did well to thwart the visitors at the other end from a well-worked setpiece before Stones took a ninth minute lead.
Rudman laid the foundations with some good work before teeing up Waumsley to tap home the opening goal of the campaign.
The lead was then doubled eight minutes later with Rudman this time on target to give Stones early control of the contest.
A fine save from Peverell then denied Sandiacre a way back into the contest as Stones took their two-goal lead into the break.
The home side looked likely to extend their lead in the second period with Cameron Harris shooting over from distance while substitute Matty Walker rattled the crossbar late on.
Stones travel to league newcomers Retford on Saturday with their hosts having won 3-1 away at Holwell Sports in their first game of the season.
There is also cup final action at Blackstones tonight (Friday) as the club hosts the Peterborough League Cup clash with Oakham United and Moulton Harrox.
The match is the annual curtain-raiser to the new league campaign and pits the Senior Cup winners against the Premier Division champions. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
The new Peterborough League season gets underway on Saturday. August 10, with Oakham having three away games to open their campaign.
They start with a tricky trip to Leverington before a Rutland derby on August 13 at Uppingham which is followed by a match at Holbeach United Reserves on August 17.
Uppingham open their season with a trip to newly-promoted FC Peterborough Reserves before hosting the Rutland derby with Oakham.
Cottesmore's Leicestershire Senior League campaign also starts on August 10 with a home match against Desford.
