There was a surprise opening-day Southern Counties East Premier Division defeat for one of the promotion favourites on Saturday.

Deal, third last season, went down 3-1 at Fisher in front of 211 supporters, despite striker Aaron Millbank’s first-half effort.

Ambitious outfit Faversham started their league campaign with a 3-0 away triumph over fellow relegated side VCD Athletic.

Striker Gary Lockyer and captain Connor Essam helped them establish a two-goal advantage by half-time and, despite the hosts getting a penalty, VCD failed to convert it and the Lilywhites got the only goal after the restart.

Player-boss Sammy Moore set up loanee Sheppey forward Jefferson Aibangbee late on.

The other team relegated from Isthmian South East to Step 5 this term, Corinthian, earned a 5-1 home win over Kennington in front of a 124-strong crowd.

Two-goal Amin Gorgol, Jack Billings, Sam Bewick and Harry Lashley did the damage, an early goal by Fin Dent proving in vain.

Player-of-the-match Josh Oliver was at the double as striker Steadman Callender got off to a winning start with Whitstable against former club Erith Town.

Oliver converted a first-half penalty in front of a crowd of 417 at The Belmont after Tyler Anderson was brought down, and the midfielder doubled his tally at the death.

Lydd, under new joint-managers James Rogers and Tom Wynter, were beaten 3-0 at home by Holmesdale.

But fellow newly-promoted side Snodland Town won 2-0 at home against Stansfeld in front of a 239-strong crowd.

Ben Davisson broke the deadlock from the penalty spot and their second came shortly after the half-hour mark courtesy of an own goal.

Punjab United and Bearsted shared four goals in front of 154 fans.

Alfie Bloomfield, and Chris Edwards with a penalty, put the hosts two goals to the good at the break before The Bears roared back in the last 10 minutes. Joel Wakefield gave them hope and then Ryan Blake claimed an 88th-minute equaliser.

There was a winning start for new Tunbridge Wells boss Steve Ives, as well, who saw his charges edge to a narrow success over Hollands & Blair.

Dominic Wynter-Stephens bagged the only goal midway through the second period in front of a 244-strong attendance.

Welling Town and Rusthall played out a goalless draw.

In the Charity Shield, meanwhile, Malachi Morris struck as Glebe earned a 1-0 away triumph over Division 1 Larkfield & New Hythe in front of 107 people.