London Colney started their South Midlands Premier Division campaign with a 1-0 home win over Stotfold on Saturday.

The visitors made a bright start and were only denied an early goal when goalkeeper Charlie May saved from Tyrell Samuda's free-kick.

The Blueboys started to come into the game and went close through Tommy Smith but his header went just over the crossbar. Lee Armitt was also denied by a decent save from Adam Harpur.

Stuart Henderson also had an effort on goal which was kept out by Harpur. The next opportunity saw Greg Shaw's header tipped onto the crossbar.

The hosts opened the scoring just before half time when Harpur mistimed his punch and Armitt nodded the ball across for Smith to head home from eight yards out.

London Colney went close to extending their lead but Armitt and Danny Fitzgerald had efforts on goal blocked.

Stotfold had one late chance to snatch a point but Michael Payne's strike forced May into a fine save.

The Blueboys play their first away match tonight when they travel to newly-promoted Welwyn Garden City before a trip to Enfield 1893 in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup this weekend.