HALSTEAD Town claimed a 1-0 victory over Athletic Newham in their Essex Senior League home opener, writes KEN GILLIARD.

The Humbugs' first home Step 5 game for many years saw them looking for their first points of the season, following an opening-day defeat at Barking.

In order to gain that they would have to overcome tough opposition in Athletic Newham and also extremely hot conditions which also meant a very hard playing surface.

Halstead made a couple of changes from the previous weeks cup defeat, with Louis O’Sullivan and Robbie Bennett in the starting eleven.

The game was preceded by a minute silence for Martin Leno, the well-liked and well-respected Burnham Ramblers chairman who sadly died last week.

The visitors started brightly and a cross from Siva should have been headed home by Richard Kone at the far post but his effort skimmed the top of the bar.

Halstead’s goal was living a charmed life as Kone’s cross just evaded Terry Amanfor when only a touch was needed.

It was 15 minutes before Halstead had a real chance, but Jordan Palmer and Adam Hampson didn’t sort out who was taking responsibility and ended in a tame effort.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead on 22 minutes as Kone broke the backline after a parried sot and dutifully slotted home, only for the assistant’s flag to halt celebrations.

Opportunities were at a premium following the drinks break but Hampson mustered an effort on the turn from outside the box, but Wilkinson Boateng collected comfortably.

Up the other end the lively Kone also got a shot away from outside the box and this time goalkeeper Jack Cherry collected with ease.

Halstead had a great chance on 35 as The Kings failed to clear and but they managed to charge down Jake Brown’s goalbound effort.

The game was opening up a little and either side were looking dangerous when going forward and Hampson was denied by the feet of Boateng.

Hampson won a dangerous free-kick and Jordan Blackwell’s delivery found him in centre of box and his downward header was superbly stopped by the visiting keeper.

However, despite plenty of endeavour the first half ended goalless.

Halstead made a bright start to the second half and almost took the lead as Boateng misjudged a cross and was fortunate his last-gasp touch took it the wrong side of the post.

The resultant corner flashed across the box, but no home player could apply the finishing touch, all in the opening three minutes of the half.

Halstead had a golden opportunity on 51 minutes when Blackwell was tripped in the box and referee pointed to the spot.

Joe Thomas stepped up and hammered hard and low to the left and the ball nestled in the back of the net.

The hosts had their tails up and after good work by Ryan Carter, Blackwell’s effort was just off target.

On the hour The Kings broke and Kone outmuscled the home defence, but his lobbed effort was goal bound until Bennett intervened and cleared off the line.

Kone was the threat and again he latched onto a ball over the top but shot straight at Cherry.

Halstead still carried a threat and twice from the right flank Boateng was needed to intercept crosses to stop the Humbugs adding to their tally.

The final action before the water break saw the visitors Chris Babosa slash a shot wide, when well placed.

The heat was taking its toll and the assistant needed to be replaced for the final 20 minutes.

First action after the break was thunderous effort from visitors substitute Julien Petit which just cleared the bar.

The visitors were pushing for an equaliser and Michael Dager was denied by a last-ditch block by Bennet as he was just about to fire home.

A flurry of substitutes slowed the game a little, but it was one of those subs who had a chance for the hosts.

However, Calvin Poku had an air shot when well placed.

He had a better effort minutes later, but his goalbound volley caught the defenders head and went wide.

That was the last real action and Halstead started their home campaign with a terrific victory.

Halstead: Jack Cherry, Ryan Carter, Matt Travell, Robbie Bennett , Jack Schelvis, Joe Thomas (Matt Coppen 80), Jordan Blackwell (Jordan Pavett 77), Jake Brown (Alfie Cleal 70), Adam Hampson (Calvin Poku 77), Jordan Palmer (Ben Heath 70), Louis O’Sullivan.