It was a don't-argue start to the Hawke's Bay United campaign today as they made their intentions clear for this summer.
In fact, it could be argued the Thirsty Whale-sponsored side had shut out giantkillers Waitakere United in the first half as they went into the changing rooms with a 3-0 lead at Bluewater Stadium, Napier.
"Come on, don't get sloppy now," Bay coach Brett Angell barked in his usual way from the box but one could hardly blame the troops as the Reds pulled one back to 3-1 through Julyan Collett in five minutes of added time.
In fairness to Bay captain Finlay Milne and his men, the visitors seldom looked like scoring although some credit should go to his keeper, Joshua Hill, who countered numerous threatening corners, especially in the first half.
Bay United struck in just the first minute when Facundo Barbero reaped the rewards of following up on a Ross Willox ball that clipped the right upright before ricocheting across the face of the goalmouth as the Argentine casually tapped it into a gaping net for a 1-0 lead.