Saturday's Ryman South action review

Marc McGrath got Guernsey FC's life in Ryman South off to the perfect start with the only goal at Herne Bay at Winch's Field on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

After a goalless first half in front of a crowd of 405, the Green Lions came out in excellent fashion after the break. After gaining control of the match, they struck through McGrath's tap-in on 58 minutes after excellent work by Matt Loaring.

Managerless teams are dangerous. That's been often proven over the years at all levels, and relegated Hastings United, who lost player-manager Sean Ray earlier in the week, won 1-0 at Chipstead, thanks to a goal from Matt McLean right on half-time.

Peacehaven & Telscombe started life in the Ryman League with a 2-2 draw at home to Walton & Hersham, who found themselves a goal down after 37 minutes through Joe Dryer. But a minute before the break, Andre Scarlett levelled and then it looked as though the Swans had won it when Michael Blount put them in front with only five minutes to go. But two minutes later, Charlie Walker earned the Sussex outfit a share of the spoils.

Redhill, who came up with Peacehaven, also earned an opening day home point in a 3-3 thriller with Whitstable Town. A see-saw encounter had the hosts in front from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, Richmond Kissi converting. But Jake McKenzie equalised within a minute, only for Kissi to restore Redhill`s lead four minutes later.

The Oysterman were then back on terms on 65 minutes through Charlie Smith, only for the home side to go 3-2 in front with a goal from Gus Sousa. However, Scott Heard pulled the visitors back to 3-3 in the final five minutes.

Leatherhead won 1-0 at Ramsgate, courtesy of a 29th minute Matt Smart strike from 25 yards, while Three Bridges won by the same scoreline at Sittingbourne, who were making their 'debut' as tenants of Whitstable – Marcus Elliott's goal right on half-time proving decisive for the Sussex visitors.

Ellis Wilson-Joseph's goal two minutes before the break also proved to be the winner for Corinthian-Casuals at home to Worthing.

Elsewhere, Crawley Down Gatwick came back from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 at home against Folkestone Invicta. Stuart King and Jake Beecroft had given the visitors their advantage but a Chris Breach brace and a Liam Wright effort sealed a fine win for Simon Wormull`s side.

Walton Casuals also found themselves 2-0 down at home against Faversham Town, whose Matt Bourne and James Peacock scored in the opening 20 minutes. But former Kingstonian favourite Bobby Traynor and Connor French pulled Casuals back on terms before the break and French put them 3-2 up on 66 minutes. Rhys Lawson pulled the Kent side back on terms but Malik Ouani and Traynor again – from the spot this time – scored in the final eight minutes to ensure the final score was 5-3.

At Horsham, assistant boss Gary Charman showed how it's done with a brace in the 42nd and 57th minutes for the home side against Eastbourne Town. Adam Davidson replied 20 minutes from time to make it 2-1 at full time.

Lee Newman put Merstham in front at Burgess Hill Town in the 3-2 win for the home side after eight minutes but by the time Greg Andrews had scored the visitors' second two minutes from the end, they were 3-1 down after goals from Danny Curd on 22 minutes, Paul Armstrong right on half-time and Pat Harding from the spot on 61 minutes.

In the division's final fixture Dave Cook put Hythe Town ahead from the spot after just three minutes at home to Tooting & Mitcham United. But the Terrors were back on terms through Frankie Sawyer on 64 minutes and saw out the game to earn a share of the points.