RORY Maxwell's four-goal blitz ruined Highgate's first ever game in the Aspire Midland Football Alliance.
After winning promotion from the Midland Combination Premier League last year, Peter Frain's men lined up full of optimism.
However, just 90 seconds in, wide man Maxwell pounced on a defensive error to fire the hosts ahead with an unstoppable six-yard volley.
Gate responded though and after five minutes the scores were level when debutant Dave Timmins forced Steve Darlington's cross over the line.
Taking control, the visitors started to dominate but despite an impressive performance from Liam O'Shea who was operating as a lone striker, Gate lacked any potency.
And in the 35th minute they were again punished as Maxwell converted a penalty after Darlington brought down Lee Bagley inside the box.
Minutes later, Maxwell grabbed his hat-trick to double Rocester's advantage and there seemed no way back for Highgate.
With ten minutes remaining O'Shea gave the away side a lifeline as he finished off a silky passing move.
The referee then booked a Rocester player for the second time yet failed to realise despite the linesman pointing out his error.
And to rub salt in the wound, Maxwell had the last say as he capped off a fine individual performance with his fourth goal just before the final whistle.
Manager Peter Frain remained in a positive mood but was cursing the referee's 'bizarre' decision.
"At 3-2, it had a big influence on the game," the Gate boss admitted. "But as for the performance I am very pleased.
"I can take a lot of positives from the game, and apart from a bit of naïve defending, we didn't look out of place." ..SUPL:
