SATURDAY saw the start of the long-awaited new Harwoods Island League football season.

It was an occasion many thought would not happen this side of Christmas, the way the government were handling the coronavirus pandemic and how lockdown unceremoniously scuppered the last campaign.

But it has returned — along with the football feelgood factor.

Isle of Wight County Press: Bembridge midfielder Ant Kettle (in blue) in action against Ventnor at Steyne Park.Bembridge midfielder Ant Kettle (in blue) in action against Ventnor at Steyne Park.

With a shorter then usual pre-season, due to Covid-19, teams were a little rusty going into the opening fixtures, but with no less enthusiasm.

Whitecroft and Barton Sports, top and unbeaten last season at the time of Covid, had a tricky opener at Binstead and COB, but came through it with a 3-1 win.

Isle of Wight County Press: Sandown (in yellow) clearing their lines against Brading Town in Division 1’s ‘Bay’ derby. Sandown (in yellow) clearing their lines against Brading Town in Division 1’s ‘Bay’ derby.

Shanklin, one of the front runners last season, had an equally tough game at ECS, but came away with a 2-1 victory on the road.

But the biggest shock was in the ‘Bay' derby — Brading Town held 2-2 at home to Sandown.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ventnor (in yellow) got their season off to a bad start, losing 3-09 away at Bembridge on Saturday.Ventnor (in yellow) got their season off to a bad start, losing 3-09 away at Bembridge on Saturday.

The Romans opened up a 2-0 lead, with goals by Oli Wilson on 35 minutes, slotting home after picking a loose back pass, and Dan Vale seven minutes later.

But Brading threw their lead away.

Sandown came out for the second half and took the game to Brading with some high pressing.

Isle of Wight County Press: Sandown pull a goal back through Ben Field at Brading Town. Sandown pull a goal back through Ben Field at Brading Town.

The pressure paid off on 49 minutes when Ben Field picked the ball up on the edge of the penalty box and curled a great ball into the top left corner to half the deficit.

Sandown gradually asserted themselves and Field slotted home his second from close in from a flicked on corner.

Isle of Wight County Press: Bembridge forward Liam Harper, left, gets some close attention from Ventnor’s Connor Deech.Bembridge forward Liam Harper, left, gets some close attention from Ventnor’s Connor Deech.

Sandown’s Simon Spragg was controversially dismissed on 78 minutes.

A poor back pass saw Wilson go through on goal with just the keeper to beat, when Spragg made a last-ditch tackle, resulting in a free kick and a red card, to the amazement of both sets of players.

Brading kept knocking at the door late on, but could not grab a winner.

Isle of Wight County Press: Goalmouth action between Brading Town and Sandown on Saturday.Goalmouth action between Brading Town and Sandown on Saturday.

Meanwhile, it was a poignant and perfect opening game for Bembridge at Steyne Park when they beat Ventnor 3-0.

Before kick-off, two-minutes’ silence was observed by both sets of players for Bembridge assistant manager Dave Malin, who died last week.

Bembridge started the game well — creating plenty of early chances and looking dangerous.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action between Brading and Sandown in Division 1 of the Island League.Action between Brading and Sandown in Division 1 of the Island League.

On 15 minutes, a great save by Ventnor keeper Matt Gifford, but the loose ball fell to Scott Sampson to finish.

Five minutes later, Bembridge doubled their advantage — a great header from Stuart Clark.

Then a bullet header by Sampson cannoned back off the crossbar.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action between Brading and Sandown in Division 1 of the Island League.Action between Brading and Sandown in Division 1 of the Island League.

The game was turning into a rout when the home side made it 3-0 on the half hour — a cool finish by Liam Harper.

The second half became scrappy with several chances going begging for Bembridge — none more so than the absolute sitter missed by Leo Atkinson Goffe on 75 minutes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Action between Brading and Sandown in Division 1 of the Island League.Action between Brading and Sandown in Division 1 of the Island League.

Ryde Saints edged Carisbrooke United 3-2 on the road, while West Wight beat Cowes Sports Reserves in Freshwater by the same scoreline and Northwood St John defeated Division 1 new boys Vectis 4-2.