Oakley United 0 Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts 1, East of Scotland League, Premier Division

DERBY day bragging rights fell to Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts as they played the role of party poopers on Oakley United's flag day.

On what was a first league match in charge for both managers, Peter Goldie and Pat Scullion, it was the latter who saw his side earn three points thanks to a goal from Callum Deas.

The hosts were playing their first match in the Premier Division, having been crowned First Division, Conference B, champions last term, and played their part in an opening period that saw chances at both ends, including Swifts' Ryan Cowie having a goal disallowed.

Deas' close range header midway through the second half, however, won them the points and, speaking ahead of their win at home to Blackburn United on Wednesday evening, Scullion said: "I thought the boys played well.

"In the first 15-20 minutes, we had four good chances which, on another day, if we'd taken, the game becomes a bit easier. I was pleased with the attitude, application and togetherness of the players, and we passed the ball well.

"Overall, I think we deserved to win. Before the game, we had spoken about trying to get off to a positive start, whether that be in terms of the result, performance or both

"I thought the players tried to carry out what we've been working on in pre-season, and they carried that out well."

Blairwood Park counterpart Goldie, who praised the supporters who turned out for a "proud moment" in the club's history, felt that his team deserved something for their efforts after growing into the game following a nervy start.

He commented: "Looking back on the game, and under the circumstances with the amount of boys we had missing through work, injuries and holidays, I feel there are a lot of positives we can take from it and build on in the coming weeks as players return to bolster the squad.

"Overall, we played some really good football, and we are disappointed not to get at least a draw out the game as I think we deserved that, and a draw would've been a fair result for both teams.

"However, that's football, and I'm sure it will repay the favour to us as the season goes on."

Oakley were also in action on Wednesday, going down to defeat against former Dunfermline and Kelty Hearts midfielder Stephen Husband's Dundonald Bluebell.

Musselburgh Athletic 2 Crossgates Primrose 4, East of Scotland League, Premier Division

ALAN CAMPBELL described his team's efforts as "a good day's work" as Crossgates Primrose opened their league campaign in style.

Despite a delay to the kick off at Musselburgh Athletic due to an accident on the Edinburgh City Bypass, and the loss of a goal after two minutes to Taylor Black, the visitors turned on the style at Olivebank.

The experienced Brian Ritchie pulled them level after 27 minutes and, within a minute, Primrose had turned the contest on its head thanks to a goal from Craig Reid.

Archie Campbell made it 3-1 early in the second half, before Ritchie completed his brace, and although Aaron Murrell pulled one back for the hosts late on, Campbell could reflect on a fine victory.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday evening's match at home to Sauchie, which resulted in a late loss, he said: "It was a good day's work for us. We played very well and I thought we deserved the win.

"If I was being picky, it could have been a wee bit more comfortable, but I'll take that every day of the week, going away to a difficult venue, scoring four goals, and coming away with the win.

"They scored from a set piece, which was sloppy, but the players reacted really well which pleased me. We got into our rhythm, got on the ball, started to make passes, and began making inroads.

"I thought we should have been further ahead at half-time. I said to the players that it was important to get the next goal, and take the game away from them, and we did that three or four minutes into the second half.

"We had three or four players making their debuts, and our new players settled in well. There were big performances from a few of them. It was a great start.

"As much as I was delighted with Saturday, it was a bit open, and it could've been 7-3 with the amount of chances in the game!

"We've set a standard and set a performance level we need to get to. If we can do that, then we'll be a hard team to beat."

Rosyth 1 Dunbar United 2, East of Scotland League, First Division

ROSYTH co-manager Russell Craig felt that his team were unfortunate to come away empty-handed from their First Division opener.

The Rec, who achieved a promotion spot to place their place in the division for this season following a restructuring of the leagues, made the worst possible start when Darren Handling put Dunbar ahead inside the opening minute.

The hosts, however, responded well to that setback and pulled level thanks to a fantastic free-kick from Fraser Binnie before the interval.

With chances at both ends after the break, which included the East Lothian side twice striking the woodwork, it wasn't to be for Rosyth as Johnny Edmond won it for the visitors with 12 minutes to go.

"Sometimes I wonder if they listen in the changing room, about making a quick and good start," said Craig, who saw his team lose late at Leith Athletic on Tuesday.

"After 50 seconds we were 1-0 down, which was a blow, but the boys had a few chances and Fraser's free-kick was a worldie.

"At half-time, there were positive vibes; we were playing some really good football. The second half was concentrated in the middle of the park. They hit the bar and the post, but we had a few chances as well.

"You could see they were upset and disappointed after the game, but we said to them that they could hold their heads high. They put a shift in.

"They (Dunbar) had to work for it. I'm disappointed to start with a defeat, but there's a lot of positives to take out of it. I think our efforts merited something."

Saturday's fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm unless stated): Alex Jack Cup, first round: Crossgates Primrose v Kirkcaldy and Dysart, Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Edinburgh College (2pm), Oakley United v Newburgh, Rosyth v Fauldhouse United.