A crowd of 404 saw Mead lead through veteran Richard Pacquette after 34 minutes.

But Sam Adams and Sam Cruttwell took United into the break in front and then a Joe Denny own goal and a late Daniel Ajakaiye brace – the first from the spot – made it a nap hand start for the Sussex side.

Cray Wanderers also started well with a 3-0 success at the DGS Marine Stadium against Greenwich Borough, courtesy of a Michael Power brace – the first from the spot, and Jerome Frederico.

Whyteleafe made Guernsey`s return flight a disappointing one after winning 3-1 at Church Road with Eddie D`Sane helping himself to a hat-trick.

Fancied Ashford United also hit three at the Homelands against Hythe Town.

A crowd of 429 saw Charlie Webster put the visiting Cannons in front after just 6 minutes, but Lanre Azeez levelled before the break and then second half goals from Ambrose Gnahore and Sam Corne sealed it for the Nuts & Bolts.

East Grinstead Town are hoping for a better season this time round but have started poorly at home to Phoenix Sports.

They were already trailing to a goal from Jeff Duah-Kessie when they had Leo Mazzone sent-off for two bookings.

Kweku Ansah added a second for Sports when they had Ashley Probets dismissed, also for two bookings 20 minutes from time.

But Sports added a third from a Duah-Kessie spot-kick with Sid Sollis netting an 87^th minute consolation for the Wasps.

The experienced Charlie MacDonald bagged a brace for VCD Athletic at home to Ramsgate, whose Tom Chapman replied, while Tom Loynes and Ira Jackson had Sittingbourne two-up at Horsham by the 17^th minute, with Chris Smith responding on 36 minutes.

Ashley Miller broke the deadlock at the Shepherd Neame Stadium to give Faversham Town a 61^st minute lead from the spot, but Connor Cox earned Herne Bay a point with a 72^nd minute equaliser.