Local club defeated Indian Gymkhana 2-1 with captain Sam Edwards netting a late penalty on the opening day of the season

Sporting Hackney manager Peter Harrington declared himself happy after watching his team get off to a victorious start in the Middlesex County Football League Premier Division on Saturday.

The Parrots, who play their home matches at Hackney Marshes, had to be patient away to Indian Gymkhana, but eventually claimed the points.

Harrington said: “I was pleased with the commitment of the players, but this is only the first game of a very long season.

“It is fantastic to win, yet we have plenty of hard work to do if we want to continue to improve and have a realistic opportunity of claiming honours.”

Hackney took the lead on the stroke of half time when Joshua Anderson’s cross was deflected in by a Gymkhana defender.

The hosts equalised early into the second period, but Parrots won a penalty 10 minutes from time.

Captain Sam Edwards stepped up and fired home the winner to give Harrington’s team a 2-1 victory.