Paul Boxall smashed a hat-trick on his debut as Saltdean United coasted to victory away to Chichester City United in the County League.

It was a big day for the home side who were playing their first game following the merger of Chichester City and Portfield.

But it was Boxall who stole the limelight with a three-goal salvo as the Tigers won 5-1 to confirm their early season standing as title favourites.

A frenetic start saw Saltdean miss a twice taken penalty after ten minutes, with Sean Randell and Simon Jones the culprits. They also lost the influential Damion Dobbyn through injury.

But former Burgess Hill Boxall netted twice before the interval and completed his hat-trick two minutes into the second half. Sean Randell added a fourth before Roger Moore pulled one back, but Shaun Grice completed victory with a fifth a minute from time.

Tigers kick-off their home programme tomorrow against one of their former players as Glen Geard takes his Ringmer side to Hill Park as manager.

The Blues came from behind to open with a 2-1 win over Littlehampton, Spencer Mears creating the equaliser for Paul Curtis before hitting the penalty winner himself.

James Thornton gave Marigolds and 11th minute lead but they later missed a penalty and Geard said: "After that we dominated in terms of chances."

A disputed Paul Thomsett spot kick was enough to give Burgess Hill a 1-0 victory away to promoted Sidlesham.

Sidlesham boss Ian Hillman said: "I felt both sides huffed and puffed. Burgess Hill will be pleased to come away with three points but it was on the strength of a very dubious penalty decision.

"I thought the match had 0-0 written all over it. Burgess Hill are a strong side, they worked hard but we more than competed with them."

Fellow new boys Arundel settled for a 1-1 draw at home to Three Bridges. Debutant Attila Sokaroi gave the home side a first half lead but Lee Turner equalised after the interval and Arundel boss Mick Rowland had no complaints with the result.

The third promoted side, Lancing, drew 0-0 at home to Selsey, who played the whole of the second half with ten men following the dismissal of Steve Hill just before the break.

Dave Schneider almost won it for new boys when he got on the end of a Neil Richardson header, but his blast was superbly saved by Steve Judd.

Lancing boss Andy Gander admitted: "Perhaps we should have made more of the one-man advantage, but it was an excellent game and I was pleased with how we played."

Both sides hit the woodwork in the first half and Lancing had to scramble the ball of their line near the end.

Darren Annis scored twice on his debut as Wick cruised to a 4-0 victory at East Preston. Ben Milford, another summer signing, also bagged a brace as Carl Stabler's side coasted home.

Hassocks twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Pagham.

A tremendous game saw Paul Morby and Steve Poulton twice give Pagham the lead, but James Laing equalised on each occasion.

Hassocks boss Dave John said: "I thought Pagham were very good, a lot better than last year."

Whitehawk also came from behind twice to draw with Eastbourne Town.

Wesley Cain got the second equaliser two minutes from time with a beautifully. Tristan Donovan and Lee Walsh had twice given Town the lead, with Mark Sheriff getting the first leveller.

Sidley United got off to a winning start at East Preston with Andy Atkins getting the only goal after 36 minutes.

Eastbourne United boss Micky French was delighted to see his young side win 3-1 at Horsham YMCA. He praised his side's slick passing game and said: "We've got an average age of 21 so we can only improve."

Lawrence Dorman hit the first and Chris Piper gave United breathing space when he converted a fine cross by Ian Sallis.

Ollie Walton rounded things off, with a Darren Smith own goal doing nothing to spoil United's day.

Damian Francis hit the post for YM in the first half