Saffron Walden celebrare Katherine Langridge's goal.

NEWLY promoted Walden’s opener was a tough introduction to the premier division as they suffered at heavy home defeat at home to Holcombe.

The hosts competed with Holcombe for the first half but a six goal flurry in the second period ensured an opening day 9-1 loss.

Having shown some early promise and largely matched their opponents in the opening stages, Walden went one down as a Holcombe forward was not closed down at the top of the D and she fired into the corner.

Julia Westnedge should have equalised shortly after but shot wide and Holcombe doubled their lead as a flicked short corner went in off the post. Katherine Langridge came off the bench and smartly converted when one on one with the keeper after a counter attack. Holcombe pounced on an error to re-establish their two goal lead shortly before the break.

Walden began the second period with intention of pressing as a unit and trying to fashion opportunities down the right wing. Holcombe, however, had different ideas. They increased their tempo, got their flare players on the ball more and forced Walden into errors.

The home side were under pressure and didn’t help themselves by surrendering possession too easily. Having missed a few chances earlier in the game Holcombe were now finishing clinically, firing in six further goals as Walden heads dropped. Olivia Doust made several good saves to prevent the score line entering double figures.

The ladies team will look to rebound on their travels to Maidstone on Saturday, 12pm start.