DEARNE and District were delighted to win the Barnsley derby at Athersley Rec in Division One, taking them to the upper reaches of the early table.
Regan Kelly got the goal just before half-time.
Dearne moved up to second behind Wombwell Town who dropped their first points of the season on Friday with a 0-0 draw at Horbury Town.
Dearne then dropped down to third with 17 points from eight games.
Dearne boss Zeph Thomas said: “It’s a great win.
“In the first half, we were excellent – we created loads of chances and should have been out of sight.
“The second half was more scrappy, but we defended well and got the win.
“Coming into this league and going to a well-established club with great facilities and set-up, then getting a win is really pleasing.
“We need to be consistent for 90 minutes to be threat against everyone. That’s the next thing to work on.”
Thomas has won all three league games since taking over from Jason Blunt last month.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start.
“It was a really important we started getting wins at home which we have and then it was another strong performance at Athersley.
“There has been a bit of pressure but we’ve done well so far.
“My first training session with the team is this week so I can get a few bits across.”
On his aims for the season, Thomas said: “We’re taking it one step at a time. Things can change, and it’s still early.
“If we can be a bit more consistent in games, it will be exciting to see where we end up.
“It should be a good season and we want to be there or thereabouts at the top end of the table.”
Worsbrough Bridge lost 4-0 at home to Horbury on Wednesday.
Worsbrough are second-bottom with three points from seven games.
Penistone Church drew 2-2 at home to Handsworth on Wednesday in the Premier Division.
Nathan Keightley and Leon Hurles-Brook scored within two minutes of each other to put the hosts 2-0 up at the break.
Handsworth pulled one back early in the second half then levelled on 81 minutes.
Church are top of the early league table with 16 points from their eight games so far.
But they have played several matches more than some other clubs.
