Despite Pershore dominating possession for the opening exchanges, it was the away side that took the lead in this Hellenic League fixture at the Recruit 12 Community Stadium.

A ball in from the right looked to be dealt with comfortably by captain, Kirk Layton, but his clearance cannoned off his defensive partner, Sacha Everard, and back into the path of the 'Levens' captain inside the six yard box to bundle over the line.

The response was good, Pershore continued to probe and it was Aidan Clark to level matters mid-way through the first half, Clark coming in off the left to unleash a shot right footed from the edge of the box that nestled into the bottom corner.

Second half was dominant from the Danny Janes' side, four goals added without reply wrapped up the first win of the 2024/25 Season.

Bailey Fuller picked up the ball on the edge of the box after Wil Beach's cross was cleared, Fuller skips onto his left before tucking the ball low into the far corner.

Beach himself got on the scoresheet for Pershore's third, he fed Jordan Jones down the line and his delivery into the box was protected by Aidan Clark before laying off to Wil Beach to hammer home with his left foot.

Next came a headed goal from debutant Luke Carsley, Jack Cresswell delivered one of a number of corners on the night and Luke rose highest in the penalty box to head into the corner of the net.

Bailey Fuller wrapped up the 5 - 1 scoreline with his second of the evening, another debutant in Devonn O'Sullivan broke over the halfway line with the ball before playing a ball through the 'Levens' defence for Fuller to run onto. Again, dropping a shoulder, 'Bails' pushed the ball out onto his left foot before firing in at the near post.

"A really good result and an even more pleasing performance." said Janes.

"The players needed that and you could feel the relief in the changing room, they have been desperate for that win and to kick start the season.

"We dominated the game but we go behind, the mannor of the goal sums up the luck we have been having and the luck you get when 'down there'.

"I thought the mind-set of the players after going behind to re-focus and continue to apply pressure was fantastic. Aidan gets us level with a good goal and we have a platform to build on in the second half.

"We spoke at half-time around being patient with the ball but still playing with that intensity, sharp movements in the final third to receive the ball and our creativity in tight areas.

"I thought the level of performance in the second half was outstanding. When you have so many players reach those individual levels, the results will take care of themselves.

"I thought the new signings had a real impact on the team and on our performance.

"We've had another attendance of just under 200 last night, which for a Tuesday evening when things aren't going as well as we would have hoped, is absolutely phenomenal. That's a performance for all those fans who have stuck with us and been so supportive.

"I've had a lot of messages from the 'football community' and whilst I really appreciate all of the messages, the win was for the players and they certainly needed that.

"I'm also aware that it was a game we expect to win, it's a case of job done and job done well.

"We now have to follow up the result and performance on Saturday against a team who I had as favourites to win the league."