IT may have been the first league match of the season, but it was also Horwich’s last game on their home pitch.

Determined to make it a memorable occasion, new captain David Burdaky made a bold change to the formation, which paid off in style.

Paul Buckland got things under way, sweetly firing in Horwich’s first goal of the campaign, but despite plenty of possession they led by just one goal at half time.

Horwich came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, with City of Manchester helpless to repel them.

Matthew Kirk scored twice, with assists by man-of-the- match Dan Woodman.

Aided by David Whiteside and Andy Robertson, Buckland completed his hat-trick before setting up Tony Sanderson to slot one in the corner.

Whiteside knocked the seventh goal in off the post and, after Callum Lyall scored a penalty stroke, Tom Mair notched the team’s final goal at Horwich Leisure Centre.

Horwich welcome Southport to their new home of Thornleigh on Saturday.