IT was a disappointing opening weekend of the Essex Senior League season as Basildon United and Hullbridge Sports fell to defeat.

The Bees were looking to make an impression in manager Aaron Bloxham’s first match in charge but they were no match for a rejuvenated Waltham Forest team.

Basildon, who finished 17 places higher than Forest in the league last campaign, were beaten 5-0 in their curtain raiser although they could have got off to a flying start.

Strong appeals for a penalty were turned down by the referee before Brian Moses scored his first of the afternoon, hammering in off both posts.

Prince Madu made it 2-0, having robbed a defender and curling delightfully in off the far post.

Two down at the break, Bloxham would have wanted a response but it was Waltham Forest that picked up from where they left off.

Correy Davidson and two more for Moses ensured the match finished 5-0 to leave Bees bottom of the standings.

And Bloxham admitted it was quite a rude awakening, having made the step up from White Ensign.

“This was very much a welcome to the Senior League,” he said. “We got punished for lack of concentration and our lack of experience really showed and it looks like I am going to have to sort that as soon as possible.

“There were plenty of plus points and it was not a 5-0 game. When we were two down we decided to take a chance and go for it a little more and it came back to bite us.

“Now we dust ourselves off and go again in the FA Cup next Saturday. That is a different ball game all together but we are looking forward to it.”

It was a tale of two penalties for Hullbridge, as Takeley tucked two away to earn a 2-0 win at Lower Road.

Charlie Cole scored both goals from the spot, with the first coming after 19 minutes. Cole tucked his kick away and Sports had several chances to level before the second goal came.

Cole got it five minutes from time to make the result safe.