Dover started the new Isthmian Premier season in style with a club-record equalling victory at Potters Bar.
Their 8-0 victory on Saturday matched Dover’s 8-0 success against East Preston in September 2008.
After a tight opening half-hour, Jake Leberl’s men took charge with four goals before half-time.
George Nikaj’s header put them on their way before Luke Baptiste tapped home the second. Ruben Soares-Junior found the top corner before Nikaj latched onto a short backpass and rounded the keeper to score the fourth.
Nikaj completed his hat-trick on 65 minutes from close range and Harrison Pont fired home the sixth. There was still time for Joe Tennent to head in a corner before Jaiden Drakes-Thomas rounded off the scoring in the last minute.
It was the perfect warm-up for Dover’s home clash on Tuesday with neighbours Folkestone, who started their campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Carshalton.
Both goals came in the first 15 minutes as Dominic Vose’s opener for Carshalton was cancelled out by Evans Kouassi after Jamie Mascoll’s effort came back off the crossbar.
Cray Wanderers have an equally important engagement on Tuesday night when they play their first competitive game at their new Flamingo Park home against neighbours Cray Valley.
They will go into that match with three points on the board after a 2-0 success at Hashtag United.
Both sides had early penalties, Frankie Raymond converting the rebound for Cray after keeper Jack Giddens saved his initial spot-kick. Then Cray keeper Shaun Rowley marked his 100th outing for the club by keeping out Sakariya Hassan’s penalty at the other end.
Charlie Edwards hit the bar for the Wands in the second half before Dontai Stewart wrapped up the points in the final minute.
Cray Valley go into that game on the back of a 2-1 home defeat by Dartford – read the match report from that game here.
Chatham started their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Lewes, who scored in either half through Matt Warren and Danny Bassett.
There were no signs of a play-off hangover for Sittingbourne in Isthmian South East.
The Brickies – beaten in the play-off semi-final last season – won 5-0 at home to Broadbridge Heath on the opening day.
A dominant display saw Mitchell May and Joe Boachie put them 2-0 ahead at the break. Boachie added a third before Liam Smith and substitute Troy Howard completed the tally.
Newly-promoted Deal started life at step 4 with a comfortable 3-1 home win over Lancing.
Goals from Ben Chapman, Rory Smith and Ashley Miller put them 3-0 ahead at the break, the only downside of the day being a late penalty from substitute Nalan Lisbie for the visitors.
Sammy Moore’s Hythe bounced back from their midweek FA Cup exit by coming from behind to defeat Phoenix Sports.
The visitors went ahead through Alfawaz Dada but Jake Goodman and Jack Steventon turned the game in Hythe’s favour.
Erith Town also looked on course for three points in their first game at this level after winning promotion.
But, having led Ashford 2-0 with 10 minutes left, they had to rely on a stoppage-time equaliser to earn a 3-3 draw at Bayliss Avenue.
Ollie Milton and Harry Taylor put the Dockers in charge but Noah Carney pulled one back on 80 minutes before substitute Max Walsh made it 2-2 with a minute left.
Gary Lockyer then scored what appeared to be the winner in the fourth minute of stoppages but Erith substitute Kola Salami levelled the scores two minutes later.
Margate were held to a goalless draw at home by East Grinstead while Beckenham won 3-1 at Eastbourne Town, Louie Theophanous’ third-minute goal setting them on their way.
Late goals from Jacob Lambert and Dan Bradshaw saw 10-man Sheppey come from behind to win 2-1 at Three Bridges, who had taken the lead through Reece Hallard in the first half.
Sheppey were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Harry Hogben saw red.
Warren Mfula scored twice as Sevenoaks won 3-1 at home to Burgess Hill, substitute Cael Kileba adding a third deep into stoppage time.
