LIFE in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division got off to the perfect start for newcomers FC St Helens.

The Stripes defeated Abbey Hey – promoted from the NWCFL First Division South ¬- 3-0.

A relatively even first half saw The Stripes ride their luck, but the opposition could not punish them – with a resolute defence keeping the lively Abdul Conteh as quiet as possible, before Darrin Enahoro-Marcus failed to capitalise on Josh Hall’s miscued clearance – volleying a golden opportunity over.

Conteh was again involved, hitting Michael Smith’s side on the break, but Bradley Sixsmith skewed wide.

That proved to be the incentive to wake up FC St Helens and, with Jordan Barnett sin-binned for Abbey Hey, they took the lead.

Joe Barker scored 29 goals as FC St Helens’ most-prolific player last season – so, it was only fitting that he scored what was an historic first goal at the highest level since their formation in 2014.

The frontman adapted well to the club’s new surroundings at the SMS Pro Soccer Park in Denton's Green, meeting a flick-on to emphatically power the hosts ahead.

And it didn’t take long for him to double his tally for the new campaign, just two more minutes, with him showing the desire and bravery of all top forwards – stooping to head beyond the onrushing goalkeeper.

With that, the half-time whistle did not cause any disruptions in the way of momentum, as Smith’s men strived to pick up from where they had left off.

Having thoroughly applied themselves, where pressure was concerned, Barker’s eyes must have lit up at the sight of a match ball – pouncing on a rebound from Tom Scarborough’s shot.

However, he met his match in the visiting goalkeeper, who did well to enlarge himself and keep him at bay.

And with the visitors reduced to wayward speculative efforts, in their attempts to reduce the arrears, the hosts did find a third goal.

With Tom McNamara, among a number of debutants, denied by the woodwork – he quickly responded, only to be kept out by the goalkeeper.

However, Scarborough was on hand to find the back of the net, with a tap-in.

Just as the Stripes had dominated the bulk of the encounter, they were dominating possession and could have been even further out of sight.

Those associated with the club will not complain about a result that reflected a superb performance on what was a momentous day.