Stewkley Development kicked off their league season with an away encounter against fellow promoted side MK Athletic, and were left to rue a poor start which saw the visitors 3-0 up within 18 minutes.

In a classic village game on a rugged and unpredictable community pitch, the home side seized the initiative with an easy finish after 9 minutes following a defensive mix up. They quickly doubled their lead on 13 minutes, with their scorer presented with an unmissable chance from a couple of yards out from a corner, a lead which would then be trebled 5 minutes later.

Keen to put the frustrating start behind them and prevent the scoreline slipping further away, Stewkley rallied and turned the remainder of the half into a more competitive and entertaining affair. After a few half chances, Alex McKay quickly pulled the score back to within 1 with two goals in two minutes (30th and 32nd minutes), leaving the game at 3-2 as the half time whistle blew 13 minutes later.

The second half began with a fantastic chance for Stewkley from a corner, a ricochet diverting the ball agonisingly over the bar. The defensive struggles continued though, as another mix up presented MK Athletic with another tap in to make the score 4-2. Stewkley rallied once again in an increasingly entertaining 2nd half, and pulled the score back to within 1 a short time later. A good cross from the right by Alfie Leach accurately found Ryan Lafferty, who opened his season account on the 2nd attempt. Stewkley continued to press through the remainder of the half, and were left to rue a great chance missed by Josh Pollard which could have changed the complexion of the game.

The referee's full time whistle brought not only MK Athletic their first 3 points of the season, but a red card for both teams after a post match fracas. A game Stewkley should have at least had a point from, but one they from which will be left to reflect on defensive struggles and a slow start, but can take confidence from their reaction and desire to battle for a result.