New Hedges Saundersfoot United (NHS) much heralded return was completed on Saturday, with the first League game of the season being played.

The highly anticipated return resulted with the best possible result, a 5-1 victory against an organised Johnston side.

Reforming the team has been a journey into the unknown, would the village and businesses buy in with support, would players be interested in returning to the club and would the red tape be kind to the side?

Under grey skies NHS surged forward from the first whistle, Tom Mansbridge slicing through their midfield like a silky surfboarder, his midfield partner Dan Bates, displaying power and precision despite sporting a controversial ponytailed hairstyle, Joe Simmons adding power and style down the left flank, Steffan Howells adding balance and composure to the right.

The high energy first half performance produced the first league goal in the new club’s history after 10 mins by Joe, followed by a second 10 mins later.

The Gray brothers (Captain Ben and Ross) at the back along with the hugely promising Taine Brace and Jack Mearns (the throw in specialist) formed a fearsome backline, literally stamping out attacks before they could develop.

Upfront the tireless Jack Franklin and Ricky Rees-Thomas threatened throughout and sure enough, Ricky finished off a memorable build up with a cheeky back heel tap in, to rapturous applause from the crowd and teammates, to take the advantage to three.

The second half started with Johnston striking back with shot stopper Geoff Marsh (who left a wedding reception to play then sneaked back to the event after the match) claiming it was an unstoppable 30 yard drive!

Within minutes of the restart, a brilliantly executed corner resulted in a nicely taken volley by Taine Brace to restore the three-goal lead.

Ricky effortlessly completed the scoring with a well taken strike to put the result to bed.

NHS Utd wore their brand new Caldey Construction Ltd (Sion Brace) and Wisemans Bridge (Robert Kemble) sponsored kit, invoking memories of the original New Hedges FC.

The match was sponsored by Gerald Hewitt – Painting/Decorating and Property Management, as was the pitch marking paint.