Matchball sponsored by Motorwise
The Dragons came into their first home game of the season off the back of a solid midweek win at Coggeshall United.
There were four changes to the midweek team. Connor Smith, Gareth Hutchings, Dean Merrett and Lewis Stantiall were unavailable. Angus Poole, Mike Fitzgibbon and Sam Mead returned to the starting 11 with Lewis Hagland making his debut in central midfield.
Lopez Tavares were a much changed side from the previous season, a new manager and squad of players which will present a different challenge for First Division teams this season.
The first half saw Wivenhoe with a great proportion of the possession but clear chances were at a premium. Numerous corners and crosses were dealt with by the Lopes keeper whilst one powerful effort from outside the area was also tipped over the bar.
It was the visitors who took the lead, breaking away and creating a one on one chance with the Dragons short at the back. Laurence Whymark made a good save from the first effort, but the rebound fell back to the forward who found the back of the net.
The second half saw Wivenhoe push for an equaliser but few clear chances with the best chance seeing Peter Maina hit the post after rounding the keeper. Wivenhoe were thankful to Whymark for making another good save from a one on one opportunity, but a few minutes later the defence opened up and Lopes Tavares scored a second, looping the ball into the net when clear on the Dragons keeper.
Wivenhoe continued to push and were rewarded when good work down the left saw George Hart into the box where he hit a powerful effort from a wide angle which flew past the Lopes goalkeeper.
With the visitors having suffered so many injuries during the second half, there was around ten minutes of additional time played. Tim Dennis had the best chance to level during this period, heading a corner over the bar.