ALEX Dugmore scored four goals as Droitwich Spa romped to a 6-2 opening day win at Newent Town to move top of the table.
Dugmore struck twice either side of half time with further goals from debutant Matt Fusco and substitute Nathan Binner at Wildsmith Meadow.
The result means Droitwich sit top of the Hellenic League Division One table after the Saltmen made the perfect start to the 2024/25 season.
Despite the final scoreline, Newent pinned Spa in their own half for the opening five minutes only for James Lemon to hit the crossbar at the other end.
However, Newent broke the deadlock on six minutes when Dom Rogerson could only parry a cross-shot into the path of Josh Burns who smashed home the loose ball from close range.
The visitors drew level on 26 minutes when Dugmore burst through the Newent defence before finishing neatly under home goalkeeper Alex Goode.
And after James Lemon had an effort cleared off the line, Dugmore completed the turnaround from the resulting corner on 36 minutes with a powerful header.
However, Spa’s lead lasted just three minutes as Matt Jackson’s attempted goalline clearance ricocheted off Ryan Dobbins and into the net.
Andy Crowther’s side reclaimed the lead five minutes after the break as Fusco capped an impressive debut with a goal from close range after Goode kept out Lemon’s initial effort.
And Dugmore completed his first hat-trick for the club on 63 minutes with a sensational volley from 18-yards out which left Goode with no chance.
Goode denied Lemon again soon after only for Dugmore to score his fourth goal five minutes later with a finish from close range.
Substitute Binner completed the scoring from the penalty spot just three minutes after his introduction after fellow sub Lucas Edmonds drew a foul in the penalty area.
And Spa won another penalty later in the half after Lemon was fouled in the box only for Goode to save the resulting spot kick.
