Football supporters who turned out for the opening night of the post-lockdown tournament involving Southern Counties East teams weren’t short-changed.

Premier Division Chatham Town beat Division 1 Rochester United 5-1 while Sheppey United edged Punjab United 3-2 on Tuesday night. The fifth team involved, Lordswood, will get involved on Saturday.

Chatham named a strong side for the trip to Rochester’s Rede Court Road with Henry Newcombe, now permanently signed from Folkestone, starting in goal.

Scott Lindsey’s side went a goal up through striker Dan Bradshaw before the hit-man added a second. Matt Bodkin put Chats 3-0 ahead before the break.

Andy Pugh bagged a second half double for the Chats before Rochester netted a consolation.

Sheppey started the friendly competition with a win but the match at Chatham’s Bauvill Stadium was a closer affair.

Punjab took the lead before Billy Bennett equalised for the Ites.

Jack Midson struck to put Ernie Batten’s side infront and Bennett added a third after being picked out by Danny Leonard. Punjab pulled a goal back in the second half but no more goal were scored.

The five teams play each other home and away with the top two contesting the final on Tuesday, June 22.

Chatham Town host Punjab United (1.30pm) on Saturday and Lordswood welcome Sheppey United to Martyn Grove (3pm).