AMBITIOUS St Briavels slammed in three goals in the opening 15 minutes. Tenaciously as Mitcheldean fought to retrieve the game it was always going to be beyond them.

Promoted as Division 2 champions last season, the St Briavels boys are determined not to slip back to whence they came, and there are positive signs they will finish their new campaign in midtable or above.

"It was a good result for us. After losing our last two games it was a much needed three points," said Mark Wines, who manages the team in partnership with Rob Meek.

Wines is delighted with the team's performances so far and says the players are adjusting well to life in Division 1.

"It is a step up and we have been fortunate enough to sign a couple of new players but injuries are taking a toll. We started with a squad of 17 but that has been reduced now. We have a couple of players in the Reserves pressing hard to step up and Rob and I are hoping to sign perhaps two more players to take us back up to strength," he said.

Among the injuries, leading defender Adam Weston has been forced out with a seriously damaged ligament . He is likely to miss the rest of the season.

"It's a blow for us as he was playing very well. We wish him good fortune and a speedy return," said Wines.

He was upbeat about the tremendous start on Saturday and full of praise for striker Sam Mitton who netted two, and Luke Nash who scored the third.

"Sam is our leading scorer with eight or nine goals. He is a good utility player and never moans whatever position he is asked to play. It is one of the strengths of the squad that whatever we ask for they do it without complaint," said Wines.

Beaten in the final of the West Dean Intermediate Cup by Huntley earlier this season, they take on Ruardean Hill in a Sandoe Cup game on Saturday. But it is league football that comes first.

The teams above them include Redbrook, Huntley, Bream and Yorkley.

"They are all derby games. I'm sure we are capable of a top five finish and that will be the aim. If we can consolidate this season I'm sure we can play at least a division higher and that would be the aim," said Wines.