Two first half goals by veteran Barry Hayles gave City their first Southern League premier division win of the season as they bounced back from their 3-0 opening day defeat at home to Chesham United.

The 42-year-old showed he can still find the net, as he struck after 34 and 44 minutes at Winterfield Road, sandwiching a 39th minute penalty by Nick McCootie which briefly levelled the scores.

The only downside for City was the stoppage time sending off of defender Shane White for a “professional” foul.

But City will just be glad to get their season up and running ahead of this Saturday’s tough trip to second-placed Cambridge City.

For the game, manager Steve Tully made two changes with Kyle Moore replacing Mike Searle in goal and Craig Duff coming in for Cody Cooke.

Searle was left out following his loss of control against Chesham which gave the visitors a penalty which turned their game in their favour and now faces a fight to regain his spot after Moore performed splendidly on the night.

City took the lead just ten minutes before the break when Hayles headed in from close range at the far post following a corner.

But Jake Ash was then rather harshly penalised for a foul on Nick McCootie who gave Moore no chance from the spot.

However, City regained the lead right on half time when Duff played Hayles through and he showed great composure to round the keeper Kyle Phillips and score.

City should really have wrapped the match up after the break but were unable to take their chances, setting up a nervous finale.

White’s late red card after he effectively took one for the team only added to the anxiety, but City held firm.

And manager Tully was delighted with the victory, but was not going to get carried away.

He said: “We have won one and lost one. Let’s see where we are in ten games, but I am delighted with the three points and the way we bounced back.”

City: Moore; White, Pugh, Farkins, Long; Green (capt), Ash; Lowry (Cooke 54); Vassell (Watson 71), Hayles (Afful 84), Duff. Subs (Not used); James, Searle.

Yellow cards: Duff, Vassell, Hayles, Pugh.

Red card: White (90 +4).

Goals: Hayles (34) 0-1, McCootie (39) 1-1, Hayles (44) 1-2.

Referee; Adam Nunn.

Crowd; 211.