Hassocks Under 23s kicked off their Southern Combination League Under 23 West Division season with a 1-1 draw away at Lancing.
The Robins had taken a first half lead through last seasons top scorer Max Willcox who netted five minutes before the break.
Lancing looked like they had made the perfect chance when they were awarded a penalty inside the opening five minutes but Luke Richards failed from the spot.
The hosts equaliser came in the 66th minute as Taku Madhlazi rounded off a man-of-the-match showing for the Lancers with the goal that earned them a share of the spoils.
Hassocks boss Nigel Pearce had handed under 23 debuts to Harvey Enticknapp and Will Glenn from the start while both Martin Ratcliffe and Ben Miller made their first appearances for the Robins from the substitutes bench.
There was also a first appearance for Ryan Collins since the midfielder left the Robins midway through the 2015-16 season, since when he has subsequently played for AFC Varndeanians and Ringmer.
Hassocks kick off their home campaign on Thursday 30th August at 7.45pm against Midhurst & Easebourne in what will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs at under 23 level.
