Laytown and Bettystown's Robert Cannon leads the Irish challenge after the first round of the prestigious Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham.

The Dubliner birdied his last two holes to open with a one-under par 69 for a share eighth place, just three strokes behind leader Luke Goddard.

Hendon-based Goddard had six birdies and just two bogeys in a superb 66 to lead by a stroke from Collin Edwards, John Carroll and Floris de Vries of the Netherlands.

Limerick's Pat Murray was the next best of the Irish in tied 22nd after a 71 with Irish Close champion Shane Lowry a shot further back on 72.

Newlands' Andrew Hogan and Cian Curley signed for three over par 73s with Royal Dublin's Niall Kearney tied for 81st after a 74.