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After an unlucky 1-0 defeat by Northampton in their final pre-season friendly on the previous Tuesday, the Ducks got their competitive season underway on a winning note, but at a price with keeper Vince Mazurek and player/manager Leo Markham both suffering injuries.

They opened their account in the 17th minute when Ray Ball rose above everyone else to head in Chris Wilkins? corner and had many more chances to increase their lead before the second goal finally arrived in the 75th minute.

Sub Alan Coe (on for the injured Mazurek at half time with midfield supreme Davy Jones surprisingly going in goal) had a header handled on the line by a defender and Vince Melisi firmly drove home his first goal of the season from the penalty spot.

This was a confident display in testing circumstances from United and they went on to draw the 2nd leg at Creasey Park 1-1 on the following Tuesday (scorer Ray Ball) to go through to the next round 3-1 on aggregate.

David Figg