Up and down start for Leamington Veterans

Leamington, who have been promoted two divisions following their league and cup double success last season, faced an experienced Wychall side led by former Coventry City players David Busst and Gavin O’Toole.

A neat Steve Thompson brace saw Brakes take a comfortable lead midway through the first half, but two stunning strikes from O’Toole levelled matters.

Brakes restored their lead courtesy of a close-range John Ingram effort before Tony Clarke netted from the spot. Ingram completed the scoring with his second to see Brakes to a comfortable 5-2 success.

The Vets faced a tougher challenge in their second game at Sutton Coldfield Town and paid the price for fielding a scratch XI, which included 58-year-old Alan Stacey, playing his first game since 1989.

Sutton were 2-0 up inside 25 minutes before new signing Gavin Hampton scored his first goal for the Brakes after a slick counter-attack.

Eventually fitness levels took their toll as Sutton Vets added two more goals in the final ten minutes.

Leamington face Alpha FC at Long Itchington FC on Sunday (10.30am).