Great Mariners started the National Middle League on a bright note when they beat Okwahu United 2-1 in their opening game played at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium, Cape Coast on Sunday.
The Teshie-based Mariners were the first to attack and no wonder they went to score the opener in the 20th minute through outside left Christopher Annan.
Okwahu United after conceding the goal forced the tide in their favour and made several efforts to equalize, but try as they did they could not find the net until the end of the first half.
The second half became a ding-dong battle as the two teams tried to out do each with the ball swinging from one end to the other, but it was Annan who played a yeoman's game who was on target to exploit a defensive blunder to increase his side's goal tally to two in the 65th minute.
Okwahu United put in extra effort and got a consolation goal in the 75th minute through a free kick beautifully taken by Sam Turkson.
Wa All Stars also began their premiership quest on a bright note courtesy a lone goal victory over Lepo Stars in their National Middle League match played at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park in Accra on Sunday.
Petit striker Abdul-Rahman Fuseini's 10th minute header made the difference between the two sides from the Northern Regions.
The two sides treated their drumming and singing fans to some piece of football artistry moments after FIFA referee Joseph Lamptey had signaled them into action.
It was however All Stars inspired by experienced midfielder Masawudu Yahaya, formerly of King Faisal and Hearts of Oak, who took the game to their opponents most often.
Their efforts yielded results after ten minutes when Fuseini connected Yakubu Iddrisu's cross from the right flank to break the deadlock.
Lepo Stars reorganized themselves to break even but their attack was neutralized by the rear of All Stars on many of the initiatives they made.
In the 78th minute, Fuseini wasted a glorious opportunity to increase the tally for his side when he shot wide with the yawning net at his mercy.
All Stars are scheduled to play former premiership campaigners B.A. United on Sunday at the same venue in the second match while Lepo Stars face Catholic Stars in Zone One.
