Lapton began the defence of their Hackney & Leyton League title with a nine-goal rout of Three Compasses

Lapton show no sign of loosening their grip on the Hackney & Leyton League title after opening the new campaign with a nine-goal rout of Three Compasses.

The reigning champions, who are bidding for a fourth successive Premier Division crown, sent out an ominous warning to the rest of the league as Daniel Senghore bagged a hat-trick on his debut following a summer switch from rivals Clapton Rangers.

Ade Wale netted a double while Abdullah Johnson, Samson Young, Kobi Nasir and Daniel Stephenson were also on target in a victory that underlined Lapton's impressive strength in depth.

Lapton chairman Steve Gergis said: "When you think that we're missing four or five key players, it shows how strong this season's squad is.

"We're still looking to add a goalkeeper, but I think this squad has the talent to be the best Lapton side ever."

Last season's runners-up Clapton Rangers made a nervous start to their title challenge but staged a late recovery to grab all three points as two goals in the final two minutes secured a 3-2 win over Albion Manor.

Manor had recovered from an early deficit to lead through goals from Darly Whelan and Matthew Harris, but Ade Cole struck for the second time to level late on before Israel Toko completed the turnaround.

A double from Kay Jones helped Red Devils secure a 3-1 win over Eureka. Alastair Buffonge was also on target for the Devils, while Patrick White hit Eureka's reply.

Premier Division newcomers Real Romania grabbed a late winner to see off a spirited comeback from Old King John's Head, who had trailed 4-1 in a thrilling encounter.

Goals from Mark Lee, Anthony White, Chris Mozo and Biyad Labadie had seemed set to secure a surprise point for OKJH, but Ionut Coropceanu's hat-trick and further goals from Mihai Radei and George Amane ensured Romania prevailed.

In Division One, Adam & Eve overcame FC Metwin in a high-scoring clash that saw the two sides share six goals in the opening 45 minutes.

Adam & Eve, who were renamed this summer after competing as Hospital Tavern in previous seasons, struck twice after half-time to emerge victorious after a hat-trick from Shaun Morgan and additional strikes by Lee Vegal and Dean Bail. Jamie Tsokallis, Steven Prince and Alan Eames were on target for Metwin.

Doubles from Chris O'Shea, Kirtis Mader, Michael O'Donaghue and Chris Reynolds helped Gascoyne defeat FC Highstone 9-4 in a thriller.

Sam Okot-Uma struck the remaining goal for Gascoyne, while Marcus Renford netted a double for Highstone, with Kennedy David and Darrell Wilson also on target.

Old George defeated new side Recta 5-2 courtesy of goals from Andre Morielle, Stuart Pearson, Jason Cann-Woode and a double from Shane Janbier, while Eddie Mataz also netted a brace in Wounded Knee's 3-1 win over Lancresse Rangers. Darrell Lynch also scored for Wounded Knee, while Donald Lynch hit Lancresse's reply.

In Division Two, Scott Hannah struck twice and Martin Hawks also scored as Delta fought back from a two-goal deficit to overcome Big Kahuna, who had taken the lead through Tom Williams and Tom Hughes.

Goals from Vernon Small and Sherwin Stanley helped Cosmopolitan to a 2-0 win over Storm, while Jason Fixon, Steve Small and Pat Barrett were on target as Jay Cubed recorded a 3-2 victory over Midfield, for whom Luke Trimm scored twice.

Athletico Angels beat Tottenham Phoenix 3-1 courtesy of goals from Ashley Green, James Brockhank and Howard Moore.