Consett Sunday League: It was a case of top Marks for Leadgate Golden Lion as they opened their season with style by hitting Stateside for six.

Mark Turner was the chief tormentor with a hat-trick and Mark Eccles also netted in the 6-0 rout with Daniel Craggs adding the other two.

Michael Pitt was the day's individual top-gun when he struck all four goals for promoted Lanchester Social as they recorded a 4-2 home win over Annfield Plain Cricket Club who responded with a Joe Smailes double.

It was a close affair at Blackhill Comrades who just edged it by the odd goal in five against Lintz Celtic with goals from Andy Pearson, Lee Innes and former Towneley Arms player Gary Clark.

Promoted Stanley Central also got off on the winning note with a 3-1 home success against Chopwell whose own goal was in vain as the Central netted through two-goal Mark Remmer and Steve Nixon.

Blackhall Mill managed a similar 3-1 win with stalwarts Neville Kelly and Derek Waters joined on the scoresheet by Stephen Brown as they saw off Station Ex Juniors who netted through Manuel Rodrigues.

Promoted Plainsman twice came from behind in their Division Two derby date with Annfield Plain Demi before going down 4-2 with Danny Gilbert scoring twice for the winners.

Scott Sommerville also scored twice in a 5-1 Bute Arms win at the Cricketers while relegated Highwayman won 6-1 at Smelters.

Paul Pilkington, Wayne Thompson and Jimmy Green goals guided Oxhill Central to a 3-2 home win over Steel Club who replied through Kevin Turnbull and Dean Pearson while the Black Horse won 5-2 at the Top Club.

In Division Three, newcomers Burgoynes won 4-2 at Horse & Groom with Lee Finlay scoring twice as did Richard Shaw in a 3-0 Delves win over Hat & Feather.

James Omran, Richard Taylor and a Graham Marshall penalty saw Medomsley Miners Arms beat Cronniwell 3-0 while Freemasons crushed newcomers Hamsteels 7-1.

Stephen Calvert scored twice for Smelters Arms in their 4-4 draw at Burnhope and the Duke of Wellington beat Smelters Arms 3-1.