Dunmow Rhodes won an eight-goal thriller with Notley FC in their Braintree & North Essex Sunday League Division One opener at High Easter.
Notley took the lead after a defensive mix-up, as Ben Brown netted.
But Rhodes rallied and Christian Roles had a shot well saved by Notley keeper Arron Murray.
Lewis Roe shone for Rhodes and Murray denied Warren Baines before the break with a fine save.
Kennie Irving hit a post after the restart, but Roles headed in from an Adam Griggs’ corner to level.
Notley regained the lead with a brilliant shot from Joe Russell, but Rhodes hit back as Baines teed up Roles.
A free kick from Danny Sutton flew past Luke Johnson to put Notley 3-2 up, but Baines set up Roles to complete his hat-trick and the same player headed in a Griggs cross for 4-3.
George Watkins sealed a 5-3 win after a strong run and great shot past Murray.
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