Homerton Rangers struck an early blow to Inter Lucia's title hopes as last season's East London League runners-up suffered a surprise defeat in a thriller

Homerton Rangers struck an early blow to Inter Lucia's title hopes as last season's East London League runners-up suffered a surprise defeat in a thrilling encounter on Sunday.

Having lost their opening Premier Division match last week following a summer switch from the Hackney & Leyton League, Homerton were considered heavy underdogs against title hopefuls Inter.

But a rollercoaster clash saw Homerton emerge with a 7-5 victory after a stunning fightback from Inter fell agonisingly short.

Homerton had stormed into a four-goal lead following a first-half hat-trick from Tony Cookey and a further strike by Lee Greenaway.

But Inter hit back twice before the break to reduce the deficit and struck twice more after the restart to draw level at 4-4.

Austin Reid-Matthews restored Homerton's lead with the ninth goal of a pulsating match but Inter refused to roll over and again levelled as the borough rivals entered the final 15 minutes of the match locked at 5-5.

Yet it was Homerton who struck the decisive blow, Greenaway netting his second of the match to regain the lead for his side, who added a late penalty through Toyin Good after catching Inter on the break in the final minutes.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, AC Lucia completed a miserable day for the Hackney club after going down 4-1 to East Moore.

Steven Parker netted a hat-trick for the Stepney outfit, who were promoted as Division One champions last season, while Daniel Cairns was also on target.

In Division One, Queensbridge Rangers and Railway Tavern shared the points in their opening match of the season following a 1-1 draw, while another explosive clash in Division Two saw EFY B record a 5-4 triumph over league newcomers the 45s.

Premier Division champions Meath United return to action this weekend and warmed up for their opening fixture with a 1-0 win over Division One newcomers Hatch Lane as Luke Mason netted a late winner after a mistake by the Hatch goalkeeper.