WALKER EDGE VITAL BATTLE IN CUMBRIA

By Bill Gardner
The top of the table clash between previous leaders Carlisle City and defending champions Walker Central at Sheepmount lived up to its star billing. And the Central’s 2-1 win allowed them to nudge their Cumbrian hosts out of pole position.

Andrew Stokes ended 57 minutes of stalemate with Walker’s opener but with nine minutes to go Carlisle were gifted an equaliser when visiting defender Craig Bryce steered the ball into his own net. Paul Stoneman restored the Central’s lead in the 85th minute to inflict a first defeat on City.

Wark and Killingworth Sporting are sharing third spot but fared very differently in their respective games. Wark won convincingly 3-0 away to Blyth Town with goals scored by Lee Telfer (2) and Marc Nixon but Killingworth surrendered their unbeaten record and went down 4-1 against visitors Harraby Catholic Club.

Killingworth were disappointed to lose their unbeaten record but could have few complaints about their 4-1 defeat at home by Harraby Catholic Club. Killy opened the scoring after only four minutes when Liam Callaghan was left unmarked to rifle his drive just inside the post.

Six minutes later Harraby responded when, after James Earl’s free kick tested home keeper Anthony, he was beaten by Sean Elliott’s header – the result of another dead ball delivery by Earl. This equaliser spurred the Cumbrians and they took the lead after 25 minutes when Anthony could only parry Earl’s effort onto the post and Rob Bainbridge was able to score with a simple tap in.

Unfortunately for Killingworth their keeper suffered a head injury in making his initial save and had to be replaced in goal by midfielder Kevin Grahamslaw and Harraby added two more goals before the break. Bainbridge punished a defensive error to claim his second of the game and just before the half time whistle Earl lobbed the ball over the stand-in keeper from the edge of the box.

Although it was all too late, Killingworth did create a few chances and Harraby custodian Andy Wills had to produce fine saves to deny both Jorge Bollado and David Jeffers. Francesco Di Pietro also went close for the home side but the Cumbrians deserved their clear victory on the day.

Heaton Stannington, Seaton Delaval and Shankhouse are all determined to maintain contact with the early season pace-setters and all three obtained positive results. At Grounsell Park, Heaton were in uncompromising mood to beat Premier Division newcomers Stocksfield 4-0. Eddie Murau fired them into an interval lead which was doubled after the break by Kevin Carr. Then, in the last ten minutes, Stocksfield conceded further goals to Gary Yates and Adam Donaghey.

Seaton Delaval secured their second league win in style by beating early strugglers Cramlington Town 4-0 at Wheatridge Park. Paul Baird opened the scoring on the stroke of half time and Cramlington, now with only two points from five games, came under a lot of pressure after the changeover. Further strikes by Jeff Fuller (2) and Steve Anderson underlined Delaval’s superiority.

After losing their first game of the season, Shankhouse have remained unbeaten in their last four matches and battled hard to claim a 2-2 draw away to Alnwick Town. After a goal-less first half two quick-fire goals put away by Scott McMullen and Gary Patterson put Alnwick in a strong position. But Shankhouse hit back and replies from Michael Bell and Kevin Gustard earned them a deserved share of the spoils.

Ponteland United, who celebrated their first win in midweek, were pulled up sharply and went down 2-0 at home to Ashington Colliers, both of whose goals were scored in the second half by Joe Moscrop. And Murton were also 2-0 victors at home to Heddon and had Mark Smith and Martyn Blenkinsop on target before the interval.

DIVISION ONE – THE BOHS SNAP AT AMBLE’S HEELS
After gaining promotion last term Amble United are taking the First Division by storm. Heading the table, the Seasiders have banged in 22 goals in their five games so far and have kept clean sheets in the last four. United’s hundred percent record stayed intact but they were restricted to a more modest 2-0 victory by freshly-relegated visitors Peterlee Town. As it turned out the league leaders had the points in the bag within six minutes of the kick off with Ross Gair and Ian Common grabbing early goals.

Gosforth Bohemians are the only other unbeaten side in the First Division and are three points behind Amble in second place. The Bohs have also adopted a free-scoring habit and won 3-1 in their tough home game against a youthful Chopwell Officials side. In the 40th minute Joe Bell opened the scoring for Chopwell but two immediate replies put Gosforth in front at the interval. New signing Tony Nelson got them back on terms just before Danny Sherwood scored from the spot following a foul on Tom Ameobi. And midway through the second half Paul Menton scored the home side’s third goal.

In joint third spot, Gateshead Rutherford and Percy Main met up at the latter’s Purvis Park and after four straight wins the Gateshead lads were beaten 2-1. Craig Ewart scored both of the Main’s goals in the 35th and 80th minutes. His first was scored from the penalty spot and his second was a perfect close range header from Dean Morgan’s well-aimed cross. David Loughlin’s last minute reply for Rutherford wasn’t going to change things and, having now won four of five games, Percy Main look set to challenge the teams above them.

Wallington have won three of their opening games and their latest victims were Hebburn Reyrolle, beaten 2-0 by their hosts whose goals were both put away by Alex Slack. It’s a pity however that Wallington are having to appeal for a new team manager and secretary. Based in Scots Gap near Morpeth, the club has a healthy playing staff but need a couple of people, perhaps in the Morpeth area, to fill the vacancies. Anyone interested in helping out should contact Robin Slack on 07793 596474.

Morpeth Sporting Club ran out 2-0 winners against Northbank to make their long trip to Cumbria worthwhile. Goals by Karl Snowden and Scott Pilkington left Northbank still pointless and propping up the table. And Berwick United celebrated a first success, beating visitors Seaton Burn 2-1. Paul Richardson and Mike Robinson netted for the Borderers with Sean Barker replying for the Tynesiders who seem to be struggling.

Whitley Bay A have made a reasonable start in August although they’ve been leaking a few goals. They conceded another two against South Shields United at Hillheads but still finished as 3-2 victors. Mick Armstrong scored first for Shields but the Bay responded with strikes by Jamie Patterson (2) and Mark Taylor. Armstrong’s second for the visitors came too late to affect the outcome.

Newcastle East End were well beaten 3-0 at home by Cullercoats who secured their first points after suffering four straight defeats and had a hat-trick hero in Dave Fairless.

DIVISION TWO – IT’S WIDE OPEN AT PRESENT
Amble and Wideopen & District are somewhat unexpected pace-setters in the Second Division, both with hundred percent records and sharing pole position. Amble made it five wins in a row but were rather fortunate to end the unbeaten run of hosts Wallsend Town. The issue was settled by a single goal scored for Amble by Sean Jobson.

Wideopen & District maintained their challenge by completing an early league double against Newcastle Chemfica. They had won 3-1 at home on the previous Saturday and in the return beat their hosts 2-1. Liam Naulls was on the mark for Chemfica but they were overhauled as Martin Roper and Rob MacDonald netted for Wideopen this time.

Hexham and Forest Hall have both made reasonable starts to their respective campaigns and Hexham, beaten only once in five appearances, featured in a 1-1 stalemate at home to Stobswood Welfare. Tom Phillips gave Hexham a very early opener and their lead survived until the 85th minute. At that point Josh Hay’s reply earned the Welfare their third draw on the trot.

Forest Hall also drew 1-1 at home to a Willington Quay Saints side still seeking its first win. The Hall have conceded a single goal in each of this season’s five starts and this time it was scored for the Saints by Callum Ancrum. Michael Reay found the net for the hosts to ensure a share of the spoils.

In fourth place and just behind Wallsend Town on goal difference, Wallsend Boys Club were restricted to a 1-1 draw by visitors Whitley Bay Town who picked up their first point of the campaign. Rob Nolan was the Boys Club scorer and Chris Atkin’s goal gave encouragement to the Town.

North Shields Athletic beat visiting new boys Cullercoats Custom Planet 3-2 with Craig Boyle bagging a brace and Glen Churchman also on target. Liam Graham and Ed Garrett were the Planet scorers.

Newcastle BT are showing signs of settling down and have harvested four points from their last two confrontations. The BT lads seem to have corrected some defensive frailties and drew 1-1 with visitors Swalwell in a game that could have produced more goals for each team. Chris Smith gave Swalwell the lead after half an hour and with ten minutes to go Greg Palmer deservedly levelled for BT.

Tynemouth United struggled last term and not a lot seems to have changed as they occupy the bottom rung in the Second Division following five straight defeats. Visitors Cramlington Blue Star were Tynemouth’s latest tormentors and easily won 5-2 after being two goals clear at half time. The Star’s marksmen were Ross Armstrong (2), Johnny Wardle, Sam Robinson and Jonathan Burbridge. United replied in vain through Dave Finlay and Japanese debutant Hisakazu Miyajima.

IT’S STILL POINTLESS FOR PONT

By Bill Gardner
A hundred percent record in three games has installed Carlisle City as clear leaders in the early Premier Division table. But the Cumbrians were fortunate to win 1-0 away to Heddon who seemed to have earned a third successive draw until Scott Priest scored his last minute winner.

Two points behind Carlisle, three teams – Walker Central, Wark and Killingworth Sporting – have all made unbeaten starts and defending champions Walker were convincing 6-1 victors away to Ponteland United.

Walker Central, now managed by Michael Jeffels, are aiming for a third successive Premier Division title and three unbeaten starts in this campaign have been promising.
After ten minutes Pont took the lead when Liam McIvor curled the ball into the centre where Billy Holden headed back across goal into the far top corner. The goal however seemed to inspire Walker with Paul and Ian Mills and David Dormand looking dangerous when in possession.

An equaliser was on the cards and it arrived when a short corner was played in to Ian Mills and his cross cum shot looped into the net at the back post. It was still all square at half time but within ten minutes of the restart the Central were in front. Dormand chased a long clearance before volleying past home keeper Harris-Green.
Ponteland’s Brown and Holden wasted two scoring chances and their misses were very costly. Walker clicked into top gear to bang in another four second half goals. The scorers were Ben Taylor, John Robson and substitute Steve Forster who bagged himself a brace inside the last seven minutes. His double strike inflicted further misery on a dispirited Pont side that suffered their third defeat in a row.

Wark’s impressive start continued with a 3-1 victory away to Murton who had Lee Jarvis scoring after only ten minutes. Just before the interval Tony Lancaster got Wark back on terms and they never looked back. A successful spot kick by Marc Nixon after 67 minutes put them in front and Lancaster’s second goal of the game sealed the points for the visitors.

Premier Division new boys Killingworth Sporting, with two successive divisional titles under their belts, beat hosts Cramlington Town 1-0. The Town were deprived of a deserved share of the spoils, conceding a penalty with two minutes to go which was put away by Killy’s Kevin Grahamslaw.

After their narrow defeat by Walker Central in midweek Heaton Stannington repaired some of the damage by beating Alnwick Town 3-2 at Grounsell Park. Steve Hutchinson’s second minute opener for Alnwick was cancelled out by Heaton’s Ian Irvine before the interval. The home side then forged ahead with further goals for Lawrence McKenna and Eddie Murau and although James Jeffrey scored a second for Alnwick they failed to make any further impression.

Having picked only one point from two opening games Harraby Catholic Club secured a first victory by beating visitors Seaton Delaval 3-0. Steve Archibald scored his third goal in three games to open Harraby’s account. In the second half Delaval pressed for an equaliser but in the latter stages were killed off by strikes by Marc Shiel and Rob Bainbridge for the home side.

Ashington Colliers drew 0-0 at home to Shankhouse while newly promoted Stocksfield were 2-1 victors away to Blyth Town. An own goal by Stocksfield’s Sean Wilkinson presented Blyth with an opener just before the interval but Phil Murray got Stocksfield back on terms midway through the second half when he was put through by Wayne Stewart. Then with ten minutes remaining Jonathan Barrett claimed a winner for the visitors as he headed home from substitute Paddy Finnerty’s cross. And it was third time lucky for Stocksfield who had picked up a point at Alnwick before narrowly losing out at Carlisle in midweek.

DIVISION ONE - GOAL RUSH BY NEWCOMERS
Following their promotion to the First Division, Amble United have started with a bang. The Seasiders are leading the field after obtaining three straight victories and scoring sixteen goals in the process. In midweek an impressive 5-0 home win against Percy Main was claimed with goals by Martin Humble (2), Chris Moffitt (2) and Darren Riddell. And United followed up by beating Cumbrian visitors Northbank three days later. This time their marksmen were Ronnie Warwick (2), Lee Harker, Ian Common, Darren Riddell and Shaun Kelly.

Another two hundred percenters – Gateshead Rutherford and Gosforth Bohemians – are keeping Amble company at the head of the table. Rutherford followed up a 3-2 home win against Durham neighbours Chopwell by surprisingly hammering their next visitors Whitley Bay A 5-1. Ross Greenhill and Mike Jeffares bagged a brace each for Rutherford whose other scorer was Kevin Urwin. The Bay’s token reply came from Alex Matthewson.

Three days after beating Hebburn Reyrolle 4-1 at Benson Park, Gosforth Bohemians claimed another home win when newly-promoted South Shields United were their 3-1 victims. Harry Tulip, Andy Dalton and Danny Sherwood netted for the Bohs in their latest victory with Phil Enlund scoring from the spot in the 85th minute for the losers.

Wallington have made an unbeaten start and are occupying fourth spot in the early First Division table. Michael Freathy scored all four of their goals in their 4-2 midweek home win against Berwick United and was also on target in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle East End in the next game at Scots Gap. The other Wallington scorer was Mike Calder and strikes by Graeme Hunt and Andy Hall allowed the Eastenders to share the spoils.

Four teams – Peterlee Town, South Shields United, Whitley Bay A and Percy Main – have picked up a tidy six points each from their three opening games. Peterlee secured two victories last week in beating hosts Morpeth Sporting Club 6-1 and then winning 2-1 away to Cullercoats. Only a daunting fixture backlog prevented Cullercoats from gaining promotion last term but they’ve made a poor start this time, losing all three of their matches to date. Manager Ken Ellis is demanding a swift improvement.

Percy Main soon recovered from their five-goal reverse up at Amble and their walking wounded recorded their second win, 3-2 away to Morpeth Sporting Club. Only 35 minutes into the game the Villagers had used all three of their permitted substitutes due to injuries.

The Main had taken an early lead through Joe Betts who then set up the chance for Callum Colback to add a second goal after 20 minutes. But Morpeth hit back and Chris Tate got them off the mark before the break with his close range header.

Percy Main restored their two goal cushion within five minutes of the changeover as new signing Chris Locke’s header gave Morpeth goalkeeper Mark Donnelly no chance. Richard Latimer, Morpeth's player-manager, scored his side's second goal but Percy Main held out to claim the points.

Hebburn Reyrolle claimed their first win by beating still pointless visitors Berwick United 5-1 with goals supplied by Chris Morris (2), Jay Telford (2) and Dan Matthews. And Seaton Burn drew 3-3 at home to Chopwell Officials. Ben Green, Matthew Lang (penalty) and Ian Armstrong found the net for the Burn with Chopwell replying through Gareth Powell, Chris Gill and Dave Fitzpatrick.

DIVISION TWO – THREE CLUBS SET THE EARLY PACE
Wallsend Town, Amble and Wideopen & District are sharing top spot in the Second Division with none of them having dropped a point so far. In pole position on goal difference, Wallsend Town beat visitors Tynemouth United 2-1 in midweek although goals for Paul McCutcheon and Lee Summers were a poor reward fore their dominance. And the Town followed up by impressively winning 3-0 away to neighbours Wallsend Boys Club. Ryan Arnott, Stephen Dodd and Nick Anderson scored in this local derby.

Amble finished fourth from bottom last season but have been raising a few eyebrows this time around. They had a successful week, starting with a 3-1 win away to Stobswood Welfare with goals for Wyn Fremlin (2) and Mike Straker. This was followed by a 4-1 win away to Cramlington Blue Star and their marksmen on this occasion were Adam Shanks (2), Straker and Fremlin.

Wideopen and District added six more points to their bundle last week to stay among the early pace-setters. In midweek they beat visitors Hexham 3-2 when goals by Chris Sword, Adam Walker and Gary Lamb just outweighed the strikes of Jamie McNamee and Tommy North for Hexham.

Another home win followed for the Wideopen lads and this time it was a more impressive outcome as they beat fourth-placed Newcastle Chemfica 3-1. Liam Jubb scored twice for the winners whose other marksman was Adam Walker while Chemfica only managed a single reply from Paul Brown and slumped to their first defeat.
League newcomers Swalwell and Cullercoats Custom Planet have both settled in reasonably well and Swalwell won both of their matches last week by identical 4-1 margins. Goals by Craig Robinson (2), Craig Wood and Rob Beverley saw the Swalwell lads see off midweek hosts Willington Quay Saints. And their next victims, this time at Derwenthaugh, were Tynemouth United. Ben Sartain was a lone scorer for a Tynemouth side still seeking its first point and they were sunk by Stuart Rook’s hat-trick for Swalwell who had Chris Smith completing their tally.

Cullercoats Custom Planet were hammered 4-0 in midweek away to Newcastle Chemfica whose scorers were Martin Dixon (hat-trick) and Dean Calvert. But the Planet regained their orbit three days later by winning 6-2 away to Newcastle BT. Nigel Morris (2), Tony Fawcett (2), Liam Graham and Edmund Garrett netted for Cullercoats this time with Greg Hamilton and Mark Shiells replying for BT who are still without a point.

Hexham bounced back from their defeat at Wideopen and hammered Whitley Bay Town 6-1 at Wentworth Park where Luke Parkinson and Tom Phillips claimed two goals each with the others put away by Tom North and Paul McLean whose strike was something special.

This was a second successive 6-1 humbling for Whitley Bay Town after midweek hosts North Shields Athletic had dished up the same treatment with goals by Craig Boyle (hat-trick), Dan Walton, Glen Churchman and Graeme Murray. And in the Shieldsmen’s next game a Churchman penalty earned them a 1-1 draw at home to Forest Hall whose reply came from Tom Jones.

After their humbling at home to Swalwell, Willington Quay Saints picked up their first point from their 2-2 draw with visitors Stobswood Welfare. Goals in each half for Mark Henderson and Dave Smith gave the Saints a clear lead but it was frittered away and the Welfare hit back though Paul Nesbitt and Sean Palmer to earn a share of the spoils.

NEWCOMERS FLEX THEIR MUSCLES

By Bill Gardner
Both Killingworth Sporting and Stocksfield, newly promoted to the Premier Division, settled in quickly and Killy celebrated their top flight debut with a 1-0 home win against Ponteland United.
For the second season running United found themselves playing a promoted club on the opening day of the season and Killingworth were understandably fired up for the confrontation. They started brightly with Kevin Grahamslaw pulling the strings in midfield and the experienced Michael Bell as committed as ever at the back.

Killingworth took the lead on the half hour mark when Grahamslaw played in a quick ball to Jorge Bollado and with the Pont defence static he turned to fire crisply past United’s keeper Green-Harris who was standing in for the absent Michael Havelock.

Pont should have equalised shortly afterwards when Liam McIvor met Fenwick's corner kick but headed over the bar and then he had a shot saved comfortably by Ames after good work by Paul Hodgson. Right at the death Pont had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Fenwick was impeded in the box and they deserved at least a share of the spoils.

Stocksfield travelled north for their first taste of Alliance Premier Division football against Alnwick Town and came away with a creditable 1-1 draw. They forced Alnwick to defend for long periods and took the lead ten minutes before half time. An excellent flowing move was rounded off when ex-Blyth Town striker Mark Waugh headed home from Paddy Finnerty’s perfect cross to the back post.

Alnwick came back strongly after the break but had to wait until the 80th minute for their equaliser. Stocksfield keeper Berry was forced into racing off his line and in the process sent an Alnwick forward sprawling. James Lang slotted home the resulting penalty and a draw was probably the fairest outcome.

Ashington Colliers made the long trip over to Cumbria for their curtain-raiser against Carlisle City and were narrowly beaten 3-2 at Sheepmount. Two early strikes by Carl Armstrong gave the home side a great start. Replies from Gareth Rees and Joe Moscrop encouraged the Colliers but with nine minutes to go Simon Hill snatched City’s winner.
Murton only just avoided relegation last term but made a promising start this time around and beat visitors Shankhouse 2-0. Their goals in each half were scored by Karl Garside and Mark Smith and they saw off all of Shankhouse’s attempts to save the game.

After a top four finish last time, Seaton Delaval are hoping for another impressive campaign but they were also restricted to a 1-1 draw by Heddon at Wheatridge Park. Paul Jones gave Heddon the lead early in the second half but Steve Anderson got Delaval back on terms and in the closing stages they were twice denied by the woodwork.

Walker Central, aiming for a a hat-trick of Premier Division titles in successive seasons, got off to a shaky start under new manager Michael Jeffels. The Central were rather fortunate to salvage a point from their 1-1 draw with visitors Wark who had Marc Nixon opening the scoring in the 80th minute. Walker survived another scare before David Dormand levelled with five minutes to go.

Last season Harraby Catholic Club finished third behind Walker Central and Gillford Park but they too had to be content with a share of the spoils on the opening day. They drew 2-2 with hosts Cramlington Town and went ahead on the quarter hour when Steve Archibald’s cross was headed home at the second attempt by Marc Shiel. Cramlington hit back through Stu Hepple as he punished a defensive error and then Cameron Patrick who fired home from Kevin Long. It took a late goal by Archibald to rescue the visitors who also had a Rob Bainbridge goal disallowed for offside.

Heaton Stannington recorded the first day’s most convincing victory by winning 4-2 away to Blyth Town and three goals put away by Eddie Murau (2) and Lawrence McKenna had them well clear after 65 minutes. A brace for Joe Race got Blyth back in with a chance, his first goal set up by Tom Haigh’s diagonal pass and his second was also the product of Haigh’s vision. But Kevin Carr completed Heaton’s tally to make sure of victory.

DIVISION ONE – PROMOTED SIDES SETTLE IN QUICKLY
Newly-promoted Amble United and South Shields United both started life in the First Division with identical 5-1 victories. Amble United won their opening home game against Chopwell Officials. Chopwell’s Chris Gill managed to cancel out Darren Riddell’s opener for Amble but the Seasiders then took over. Riddell bagged his second and further goals were added by Martin Humble, Ron Warwick and Ross Gair.

South Shields United’s first day victims were Seaton Burn and the Shieldsmen look set to relish the new challenge they’re facing. Their scorers in a rather one-sided encounter were Tijan Kah (2), Aaron Kah, John Gate and Jack Lawton.

Wallington won 3-1 away to Northbank and dominated the first half with home keeper Mark Lightfoot having to produce several fine saves. But against the run of play Northbank took the lead when John Slaven's shot was handled by a Wallington defender and Louis Gallacher netted from the spot.

The lead only lasted for ten minutes and the visitors were gifted their opener when home defender Stuart Windsor turned the ball into his own net. Wallington then went ahead in the 82nd minute when Michael Freathy just managed to beat Lightfoot and as Northbank pushed forward they were caught on the break. Freathy raced through to claim his second goal for the Northumbrians.

Newcastle East End made a winning start in claiming an emphatic 4-0 verdict at home to Morpeth Sporting Club who operated as Red Row Welfare last term. The East Enders were always in command and underlined their superiority with goals shared by Dean Holmes, Sean Graham, Anthony Johnson and Paul Bright.
Berwick United had Michael Robinson on target in their opener at home to Gosforth Bohemians but were eventually beaten 2-1. The Bohs just edged it in the end thanks to strikes by Ben Guy and Danny Sherwood.

Cullercoats and Whitley Bay A both narrowly missed out on promotion from the First Division last season and came face to face on the opening day of the new campaign. Rob Watson and Danny Nelson found the net for Cullercoats but their goals counted for nothing and the Bay picked up the points from a 3-2 victory.

Percy Main were 2-0 victors at Purvis Park to see off Hebburn Reyrolle. The Villagers hadn’t won an opening game since 2004 so they were delighted with the outcome in this one. Ex-Whitley Bay A stalwart Callum Colback opened the Main’s account midway through the first half when his chance was set up by Jonathan McEnaney. After 55 minutes the home side’s lead was doubled and this time McEnaney was on target himself after getting on the end of Dean Morgan’s flag kick and scoring from close range.

Peterlee Town, relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season, were beaten 4-2 at home by Gateshead Rutherford after having David Steel and Nathan Liddell on target. Their visitors always looked stronger however and wrapped up the points with goals supplied by Robbie Frame, Kevin Irwin, Andrew Reay and Ross Greenhill.

DIVISION TWO – ALL’S WELL AT THE WELFARE
Stobswood Welfare made a winning start to the new Second Division campaign and beat hosts Newcastle BT 3-1. With Lee Coulter replacing long-serving manager John Weatherstone, BT made a disappointing start and goals for Josh Hay (2) and Michael Hogg gave the Welfare a clear lead at half time. Greg Palmer’s single reply wasn’t enough to promise a revival for the home side.

Amble’s first visitors were Forest Hall and the Seasiders were a trifle lucky to clinch a single goal victory. In an evenly-contested game a penalty decided the outcome in Amble’s favour and it was put away by much-travelled striker Wyn Fremlin in the 23rd minute.

League newcomers Cullercoats Custom Planet, Cramlington Blue Star and Swalwell had differing fortunes in their respective Second Division debuts. Only Cullercoats made a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory away to last season’s strugglers Tynemouth United. The Planet were sent into orbit by Edward Garrett’s vital goal midway through the opening half.
The two other newcomers suffered first day defeats although Cramlington Blue Star were only narrowly beaten 2-1 at home by Wideopen & District. Close range goals for Martin Roper and Gary Lamb gave Wideopen a clear lead and the Star’s reply came via Jamie Hutchinson’s header from a free kick in the 80th minute.

Swalwell got off on the wrong foot, finding first day visitors Wallsend Boys Club hard to handle and the Tynesiders ran out comfortable 5-1 winners. Their goals were equally shared between Alau Harib, Stephen Thompson, Evan Graham, Mike Starkey and Johnny Towns with Swalwell’s single reply coming from Chris Smith.

Like the Boys Club, Wallsend Town and Newcastle Chemfica also won by the same 5-1 margin to get their seasons off to a promising start. Wallsend Town won at home to Willington Quay Saints thanks to Stephen Dodd’s hat-trick and goals for Paul McCutcheon and Pat Masuku. Wes Fidler was a lone marksman for the Saints.

Newcastle Chemfica saw off visitors Whitley Bay Town 5-1 after Chris Lockerbie fired them in front. Although Liam Lockhart levelled for the Town, Dean Calvert restored Chemfica’s lead and more goals flowed from Phil Bone, Anthony Bruce and Liam Naulls (penalty) to wrap up the points.

North Shields Athletic earned themselves a first day point at Hexham despite conceding a goal to the home side’s Gavin Cox only four minutes into the game. Injuries reduced Hexham to ten men after they’d used their substitutes and Craig Boyle was able to get North Shields back on terms.