Southwick player-boss Dominic Shepherd has high hopes for his new strike pairing.

James Wotherspoon and Ryan Walton shared the goals as Wickers opened the new County League division two campaign with a 3-2 win at home to Rustington.

Wotherspoon scored twice in an eventful first half which saw the visitors lead 2-1 at one stage with goals from Sean Duffy and James Bennett. Summer signing Walton hit the winner from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining.

Shepherd, who is also a striker, said: “I’m really pleased with my front two. During pre-season they scored 15 between the two of them and I am really hopeful they will score a lot this year.

“I don’t think I will be able to get a game!”

Relegated Worthing United ran out 4-0 winners at home to Midhurst and Easebourne with goals from Darren Annis (two), Gareth Green and Scott Packer.

Of the other sides who went down, Oakwood won 1-0 at home to Littlehampton with a first-half strike from Chris Williams but East Preston crashed 3-0 at home to Sidley, for whom Chris Agutter, Kenny Pogue and Matt Darby hit the target.

The two promoted sides started well. Dan Barnard scored for Clymping in a 1-1 draw at Wealden, for whom Darren Gearing netted.

Cliff MacDonald and Adam Fisher netted for Little Common in a 2-0 success at Steyning.

Richard Ayres scored twice and Kristian Harding also netted as Storrington won 3-2 at home to Seaford, who replied through Rickie Mitchell and Adam Kneller with four of the goals coming in the final 18 minutes.

Danny Woodley (two) and Duncan McArthur helped Rye to a 3-0 win at Loxwood while Warren Parsons netted the only goal as Westfield beat Lancing.