Grappenhall Sports 2 Daten Sports 1

FRONT men Odi Koubemba, an ex-Congo international, and Denico Walters scored on their full competitive debuts as Grappenhall Sports made it two wins from two at the start of the Cheshire Football League season.

Grappers went into Tuesday's 'derby' on the back of a thrilling 4-3 win over Malpas on the opening day of the season and manager Darren Davies made four changes.

Sports started reasonably well without causing the Daten defence much concern. Daten looked solid and were working hard in midfield and had some pace up top.

After the first 20 minutes sports were becoming more dangerous and more of the play was being played in the Daten half.

On the half hour mark the pressure told when Jordan Rigby was brought down in the box after showing some quick feet. Koubemba stepped up and slotted the spot kick low in to the corner for his first goal for the club.

Sports began to press more and half chances came and went for Tom Swann and Jordan Rigby before the break but the half drew to a close with the penalty the only difference.

The second half started as the first half did with Daten working hard and keeping a good shape. However, on 55 minutes, Walters latched on to a long ball from keeper Gareth Powell to finish low and hard for 2-0.

Changes were made to both teams and sports firmed up their defensive structure and changed their system.

The game was not offering much in the way of chances but then on 78 minutes sports failed to clear properly and a good low ball to the edge of the box was drilled home well by the Daten midfielder.

Sports looked a little edgy but settled again and saw the game out without too many concerns.

Davies said: "It's a great start to the season for us.

"We were in control for most of the match but Daten worked hard and kept themselves in with a chance. I have to give the opposition credit.

"That said we can offer more than we did. We were better than Saturday but I still feel with having hit top gear and some of my attacking players will get better week on week.

"We have picked up some knocks tonight and Jordan, Odi and Frenchy could all be doubts for Saturday.

"We travel to Maine Road at the weekend with confidence but knowing we will probably have to improve further again to return down the M56 with the points."