LONDONDERRY — Londonderry bid Hanover a rather rude welcome to Division I boys’ soccer Wednesday afternoon. The host team shutout the former longtime Division II kingpin, 3-0.

In a well-played battle, the undefeated Lancers (3-0) became the first team to score against and defeat Hanover (3-1) this year.

“The score was a fair assessment of what took place here,” said Hanover coach Rob Grabill. The defeat was the first shutout or loss by a three-goal margin in a few seasons for the Marauders program, which petitioned up to play Division I soccer this season.

“We knew they were going to be tough so we stepped up play and put them away early,” said Lancer captain Tom Beedham, who opened the scoring in the 10th minute of play on a penalty kick. Hanover committed a foul in the box defending a Londonderry run.

The Lancers doubled the margin at 24:30 when an opportunistic Rob Hart found space along the end line to unleash a left-footed score from a nearly impossible angle.

Kenny Desmarais rounded out the scoring at 52:10. Hanover keeper Duncan Piper stopped his penalty shot, but Desmarais put back the rebound.

“It was good competition. I think we caught them a little off guard with our speed,” said Lancers midfielder Alex Hall, who led the charge up the far sidelines to provide opportunities for Hart and Dylan Holland with crossing passes.

Hanover was up to the challenge. Tackles from Evan Greewald, Sam Carey, Brendan Barth and Xavier Tehana stopped potential scores.

Though trailing, Hanover kept up the attack. It manufactured scoring bids by counter attacking aggressively. It just missed scoring chances on corner kick serves.

“They were good. They had me on my tiptoes,” said Krause, who had three diving saves.

Defenders Alex Walter, Anthony Ferrara, Dominic Galluzzo and Beedham frustrated Hanover’s attack.

“We didn’t finish well today. Londonderry’s smart, opportunistic and savvy play may have had a lot to do with that,” said Grabill. “It was good soccer. That’s what Division I soccer looks like.’’

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Eric Emmerling may be reached at eemmerling@unionleader.com.