After an indifferent start Notts gradually took control of the game, and the scoreline was a fair reflection of their overall superiority.

Boots put Notts under early pressure and the visitors survived a fourth minute short corner.

Allan Butler led the Notts forward line with pace, and twice went close in their first two attacks before the visitors took a 10th minute lead when Jamie Cluer found Butler in the D and his deft pass was put away by newcomer Reg Anthony.

Matt Cooper made a clinical tackle on 13 to preserve the lead, which was almost extended on 25 when a great diving save kept Notts at bay.

Boots applied early second half pressure but three short corners in quick succession were dealt with as Matt Cluer and Chris Buck marshalled the defence effectively.

Six minutes into the half Boots were awarded a penalty stroke, but Jason Faulkner preserved the lead with a diving save.

Notts stepped up their game and, following two short corners, Matt Cluer made it 2-0 in the 51st minute.

As Notts became increasingly rampant Anthony set up Butler to make it 3-0 just two minutes later. And midfielder Matt Cooper completed the rout nine minutes from time with a fine solo run and shot.

l New boy Reginald Anthony has joined Notts after moving into the area from London.

Reg played international hockey for Sri Lanka before moving to London several years ago.

Since then he has played Southern Premier League for both Wimbledon and Blackheath. A very skilful forward, either centre or wide, his presence will add another attacking option to the side.

l North Notts II faced a stern test in their first league game of the season when they fell 5-1 at home to promotion hopefuls Harbourne at Manor Park.

Notts started well, forcing the Harbourne keeper into several good saves before the visitors converted two penalty corners to go in 2-0 up at the break.

Notts looked to have pulled one back just after half time but in the end the confusion was resolved when they sportingly admitted that the ball had not been touched by them in Harbourne’s circle.

But they did pull one back moments later when Phil Calcraft’s fierce penalty corner strike was deflected into the top corner by a Harbourne defender’s stick.

Notts applied the pressure but it was Harbourne who regained the two goal advantage from a well worked penalty corner routine.

This seemed to break the will of the Notts team and Harbourne converted two more attempts to go 5-1 up.

l North Notts III travelled to Burton for their league opening match and, fielding another under strength team, they lost 1-0.

l North Notts IV lost 6-0 to a strong Belper IV. The National League club side looked every bit title contenders as they swept aside a committed and hard working Notts team who will benefit from the experience.

l Notts V faced Belper VIII and built on last week’s performance with a convincing 4-0 league win.