MILL Hill St Peters’ new boss Dave Walker, appointed a week ago, made a winning start in his first game in charge.

Walker celebrated by guiding the Saints into the second round of the Presidents Cup with a 2-0 win over Crooklands Casuals and a much-improved performance.

It was Mill Hill’s first victory of the campaign and delighted chairman Mick Ashcoft said: “It is fantastic to get a win on the board, and a great start for the new management team.

“We’d lost our first six league games and are bottom of the league, but hopefully there are better days ahead now.”

Walker will be assisted by Gareth Pugh and the chairman added: “They are both very keen, and while Dave is only 28, he has plenty of experience in the league and, crucially, a lot of contacts.

“He has brought a couple of new faces in and there will probably be a few more in the coming weeks.

“Our main priority now is to make sure that we push up the league and remain in Division One.”

Mill Hill are in cup action again on Saturday when they host Bury outfit Walshaw in the first round of the FA Amateur Shield.

Meanwhile, in the Blackburn and District Football Combination, both Anchor and The Ivy Veterans made a winning start to their Premier Division campaign.

Anchor had to fight hard against Rishton United, though, before emerging as 3-2 winners.

The Ivy Veterans also began the season in encouraging style, with a 2-1 victory at Lord Raglan.

In the Second Division, Great Harwood Town thrashed St Marys COB 6-3, and Beehive also had their shooting boots on, crushing Rishton Rovers 5-3.

The Third Division provided the only stalemate of the opening day, Globe Bullough Park and Crown drawing 1-1.

However, Mill Hill Hotel made no mistake, thumping Abbey 5-0.

Lord Raglan Originals also enjoyed a fine win, beating Poppy Mai 4-1.