Stoneleigh Athletic U14 Colts got off to a winning start with a thrilling 4-3 victory away to Merstham Youth.

In a classic game of two halves it was Stoneleigh that looked dominant taking the lead through a Matthew Skelly free kick and then debutant Matt Hall added another goal following one of his forward runs.

Through out the first half the Stoneleigh defense of Tom Wales, William Helps and Doug Jenkins did not look troubled and were comfortable to push forward to support the attack allowing midfielder Josh Leigh to score to make the half time score 3 – 0 to the visitors.

It was however a changed and rejuvenated Merstham who appeared in the second half and were more combative in midfield and constantly pressing Stoneleigh’s goal taking three well taken goals to draw the game level with minutes to go.

Stoneleigh however showed character to not crack under the pressure and with Josh Leigh getting his second and Stoneleigh's winner with the last attack of the game as the final whistle blew.

After the game manager Paul Hoskins congratulated the players on opening their campaign with a win but said “This was a real Jackal and Hyde performance that needs more consistency if the team are to fulfill the aims we have set ourselves for this season.”