WHILE the so-called experts continue to suggest the Motormen are in for a season of struggle, the depleted but highly confident Vauxhall Motors stormed to an opening day success at Alfreton, scoring the fastest goal of the new campaign in the process.

Without midfielder Mike Garrity, defender James Glendenning and striker Anthony Wright through suspension and defenders Carl Spellman and Mike Tomlinson, plus striker Karl O'Donnell, through injury, Motors took just 84 seconds to give notice of their intentions, as new signing Sam McNutt played in returned striker Leighton McGivern to fire them ahead in double quick time.

And fittingly, the winner came from the outstanding Steve McNulty, who chested down McGivern's cross before blasting home a deserved winner.

Even the host club's scribes commented that Motors were 'full of running both on and off the field and have a touch of steel about them.'

The 2-1 win was Motors first-ever victory at the Impact Arena and their first opening day success since 2001, when they went on to become UniBond Premier Division champions.

This Saturday they are at home to Redditch United, looking to build upon this fine start.