Second half goals from debutant Declan Rodgers and Jack Brand meant Wisbech Town took the honours in the annual BKD Cup match with March Town United in front of a bumper crowd.
A great occasion for the Hares, with hundreds of people enjoying the new clubhouse, was marred by a nasty injury for midfielder Lewis McManus.
The March player dislocated his knee in a tackle on 35 minutes and was taken to hospital. There was a half hour stoppage while he received treatment, with the referee deciding to call half time early.
The first half was a very even affair, with the hosts more than matching their higher level opponents.
Wisbech striker Charley Saunders had the first clear chance of the game - he found himself through on goal, but scuffed his shot at the onrushing Dave Beeny.
Max Mattless had a great chance to break the deadlock for the Hares - with the goal at his mercy, powered his header from Dan Woods’ free kick wide.
Wisbech started the second half stronger and were soon rewarded with the game’s first goal. Rodgers, who has joined the Fenmen from AFC Rushden and Diamonds, curled a 25 yard free-kick past Beeny into the bottom corner.
Beeny had to be alert to prevent it from being two, saving with his feet from Rodgers.
The Hares regrouped and had two good chances to equalise in the space of a minute - Ash Brand was denied by a smart save from Aaron Butcher, then Ondre Odain headed Dan Woods’ cross across the face of goal.
Wisbech’s second goal came from a corner. Luke Wilson’s initial effort hit the crossbar, the ball was not cleared properly and substitute Brand, from the left side of the area, produced a tidy finish into the far corner.
March manager Chris Bartlett said: “Lewis dislocated his knee. It had come out a long way. The paramedic was excellent and Lewis was in good spirits. He’s a very big personality for us. We will not know how bad it is until the swelling goes down in a few day.
“It was a decent performance against top quality opposition. We created chances and should have scored. We can take some positives.”
Wisbech manager Brett Whaley said: “March were a threat throughout. As the game went on we got better. The pitch didn’t help either side.
“It was another good workout for us and different to our previous two games. It was nice to keep a clean sheet and nice for Declan to score on his debut. Also, it was good for Steven Reid to get 35 minutes under his belt as he’s had no pre-season.”
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