Albion welcomed newly promoted Old Catton Rovers to Thorpe High School for the very first meeting of the two sides.

The opening exchanges saw both sides passing the ball well and it was the away side who took the lead on 15 minutes when a long ball over the top found an Old Catton forward who finished well from close range.

On the 20 minute mark Albion striker Aaron Bowes-Shorten challenged the Old Catton goalkeeper after a lofted ball into the area only to see the stopper react badly, the ref having no option but to show the keeper the red card and award the penalty. Mark Leeper calmly stepped up and will be thankful that the keeper dived out of the way of his effort to level the score.

With the extra man Albion took charge of the game and passed the ball effectively setting up a number of good chances for Jake Jenner, Leeper also going close with a left foot shot whilst Nick Taylor saw his cross rebound off both posts before being cleared to safety.

The game opened up more in the second half with Old Catton asking more questions of the Albion defence who stood firm, keeper Matt Cooper marshalling his area superbly well. Micky Martin should have added to the score, firing wide from close range whilst Rochford was unlucky with a headed effort.

With time running out Albion managed to grab the winner when left back Alex ‘The Werewolf’ Chard popped up on the right wing to send over a cross that was met by Jut Philo who nodded home at the front post.

The first three points of the season for Albion were deserved although the home side made it difficult work against ten men.