Penrith made a confident start in the Northern League when they beat Birtley Town 3-0 at Frenchfield.
It was especially pleasing as Birtley had been tipped to feature strongly in the title race after reaching the play-off semi-final last season.
They were said to have four key players away on holiday but Penrith manager Darren Edmondson was also short of some important players including goalkeeper Arran Taylor and he experienced Andy Murray-Jones.
Birtley had started well and in the first 20 minutes they had two good chances, which if they had been taken might have changed the whole complexion of the game.
But from that point Penrith picked-up the pace and began to boss the game in midfield where the energy levels and good running of Robbie Hebson and Luke Brown, with skipper Matthew Moynan behind them, were instrumental in the victory.
As well as Birtley, the Bonny Blues were under strength for along with Taylor and Murray Jones they were also missing Kingsley Grandison, Lewis Moore and Jonny Murray.
Penrith played the last 15 minutes with ten men when Ronan Irving was sent-off for a last man challenge and Edmondson was really impressed how his players put bodies on the line to get them over the line.
DJ Taylor (2) and Luke Brown scored the Penrith goals and debutant keeper Craig Hunter became a hero with a fine penalty save to maintain the clean sheet.
Penrith will be looking to put more points on the board on Tuesday at home to Seaham before Pickering at home in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh asked manager Darren Edmondson for his reaction to the game and you can hear it below:
