Kenilworth Wardens' first season in the Coventry Alliance Division One got off to the perfect start as they beat title-favourites Folly Lane Reserves in an eight goal thriller.

The away side started on the front foot as Guy Pearson found that back of the net after just five minutes, latching onto a long kick from keeper Andy Whitehouse pass.

Despite their early vulnerability Folly Lane levelled the score five minutes later, as a ball swung into the Kenilworth box from the right hand side was met by an inventive Hughes' bicycle kick, sending it into the back of the Wardens net.

Kenilworth continued to create chances at will, with man of the match Lee Jassi holding the ball up fantastically and bringing the Wardens side up the pitch.

After a series of missed chances for the away side, it was down to Pearson to restore the Kenilworth lead and double his tally. Sam Taylor was unlucky not to score as his low strike hit the post, but the rebound fell kindly to Pearson who tucked it away to put Wardens 2-1 ahead.

Pearson was then to turn provider as his ball to Roger Kingston was smashed into the back of the net by the full back, putting Wardens 3-1 ahead going into the break.

The second half started much as the first had ended, with Kenilworth winning their individual battles and playing the better football.

However, against the run of play Folly Lane got back into the game. Another ball into the Kenilworth box from the right hand side was not cleared, and Hughes managed to profit from confusion on the edge of the six yard box to walk the ball into the back of the net.

Kenilworth remained composed, a continued to create chances with ease. Only some good Folly Lane goalkeeping and lapse Kenilworth finishing kept the scoreline the same until Lee Jassi capitalised on defensive chaos following a corner to power the ball home.

The away side's lead was once again halved when Folly Lane inexplicably found the back of the net with one of the few clear chances they had in the second half. A ball out to the left flank allowed their forward player to drive into the box and fire smartly in the bottom left corner of the Wardens net.

Any chances of a home comeback were dashed though when Jassi chased down a seemingly lost ball, controlled it on the byline and squared the ball to Taylor to tuck home.

Speaking after the game, manager Richards was pleased with his side's performance and start to life in the division.

"I am really happy with the result against a strong Folly Lane team who usually win the league." he said

"I thought that our performance was much better than the scoreline suggests.

"And with several regular players missing I feel that we can only get better as the season progresses."

Kenilworth Wardens are proudly sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.

Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga Practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.

Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.