GRAHAM Lightbown's double ensured Great Harwood Town enjoyed a flying start in more senses than one, after relegation to the First North Western Trains League Division One.

The Showground striker opened his scoring account just seconds into the season's first game, giving a depleted Harwood side the confidence they needed to wrap up the points by half time.

With several regulars missing and a goalkeeping crisis, which led to manager Denis Underwood donning the gloves again, Town could have been forgiven for being a little apprehensive.

But a poor Bootle side were not capable of providing a tough-enough challenge and Harwood gratefully took advantage with some clinical finishing.

Fielding a much-changed side after taking the drop from the UniBond League, Town tore straight into their opponents and were rewarded with a goal almost straight from the kick-off.

One attack was repulsed but the ball was quickly returned for Lightbown to race through and, from an angle, slide it past the Bootle keeper.

It was just what Harwood needed to settle them down and, after Nick Grogan had just failed to score from the best move of the match, they grabbed the all-important second goal in the 35th minute.

Andy Clarkson, filling in admirably at left back, created a chance for central defender Neil Baron and he finished with a bullet-like shot from a tight angle.

Two minutes from half time, the game was as good as over when a blunder in the Bootle defence left Lightbown clear in front of goal. His finish was precise to give Harwood the luxury of a three-goal lead against opponents who only threatened from set pieces.

Bootle had more possession in the second half but could make little of a Harwood defence, which included veteran Gary Butcher.

It meant that Underwood was generally well protected with few efforts on goal.

Harwood themselves wasted some attacking opportunities by carelessness when in good positions to create chances but victory was never in doubt.

The Showground stages a derby game tonight when Harwood take on Rossendale United in a league clash (kick-off 7.30pm).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.