RHU Amateurs opened their league campaign with defeat to Thorn Athletic on Saturday — a goal prior to half-time proved to be pivotal in the 2-0 loss.

Off the back of a narrow defeat and stuffy draw in the opening two league cup section matches, Rhu welcomed, new to the Caledonian League side, Thorn Athletic to Ardenconnel Park.

Thorn kicked off and a tight first half battle began with lots of endeavour from the home team but very little quality in the final third.

The best Rhu chance fell to Thornton, reacting well to a break of the ball, his snap shot was smartly saved by the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Burton in goals was called into action after 25 minutes, pulling off a tremendous save from point blank range to keep the score level. Unfortunately for Rhu, Burton ended up picking the ball out of the back of the net after 40 minutes.

A move down the Thorn right hand side took the ball tight to the byline. While Rhu claimed the ball had ran out the park, a cut back to the edge of the six yard box was struck into the back of the net to send the home side in dejected at half time.

Rhu picked up in the pace in the second half and were unlucky not to draw level after Craig Nugent’s slide rule pass into the path of Thornton who was again stopped by a very good save.

Thorn threatened themselves calling Burton into action with a save at full stretch which kept Rhu in the match, but not for long unfortunately.

As Rhu pressed for an equaliser, Thorn caught them out with a very impressive counter attacking goal. An overloaded attack on the left hand side ended with an intricate one, two on the edge of the box and a low near post finish. A very impressive goal from the away side.

The match petered out in the closing stages as Rhu resorted to direct balls toward Nugent and Thornton, but the Thorn defence stood tall to all Rhu had to offer.