TWO hat-tricks enabled Newton Aycliffe to kick-start their season last week.

Strikers Dave Muir and Jason Wing both grabbed impressive three each as they swept to an 8-0 win at Binchester Social Club.

Midfielder and man of the match Russell Mercer also bagged a brace to cap a fine all-round display by last season's runners-up.

"We're starting to get into the swing of it now," said manager Brian Scaiffe. "We started the season disappointingly, but we've put some good results together now and I'm confident we can go on from here."

Five-times champions Aycliffe were pipped to the title last year on goal difference by New Masons, who look to have resigned from the League.

Meanwhile, another of the title hopefuls - Old Shildon - beat dark-horses Spennymoor Thorns 4-2 last week.

Thorns had put a fine run of results together which has seen them go top. But goals by Phillip Appleby (2), Martin Hedley and Thomas Louden helped Shildon to their win.

"I think it was a deserved win," said Shildon midfielder Martin Hedley. "It was a very difficult game, especially in the first half when they missed a number of chances. But after a change of formation we over-run them in the second half and overall I think it was a fair result."

Thorns manager Dave McWaters admitted: "They were the better side. I thought we did well in the first half and we missed some chances, but they were deserved winners in the end."

Elsewhere in Division One, Lakeside bounced back from their double defeat to beat Brandon 3-0 thanks to goals by Martin Walker (2) and Wayne Marram, while Eldon Lane beat Salvins 3-2. Their 6-3 win over Tudhoe United this week also put them top, albeit having played more games.

In Division Two, Postchaise beat Boot & Shoe 5-3 to go top, Victoria drew 3-3 with Brawns Den, Eldon Arms beat Masons Utd 4-3 and Green Tree beat Two Blues 3-2.

Horndale also recorded a vital 4-1 win over neighbours the North Briton.

Meanwhile, First Division Beehive were hit with a blow last Sunday when their prolific striker Joe Coles suffered a broken ankle. Beehive's game with the Grand had to be abandoned due to the injury.

Coles, who hit a hat-trick on the opening day of the season, has been the club's top scorer for the past four seasons.

Results round-up: Tuesday, August 27: Division One: Salvins 2, Beehive 1; Lakeside 0, Thorns 2; Grand 2, Binchester SC 4; Eldon Lane 2, Tudhoe Utd 2.

Thursday, August 29: Division Two: Binchester Hotel 0, Masons Utd 0; Postchaise 2, Victoria 1; Green Tree 3, Cumby Arms 0; Eldon Arms 6, Shildon Athletic 1; Brawns Den 6, North Briton 1; Boot & Shoe 1, Two Blues 3.

Sunday, September 1: Division One: Salvins 2, Eldon Lane 3; Brandon 0, Lakeisde 3; Binchester SC 0, Newton Aycliffe 8; Thorns 2, Old Shildon 4.

Division Two: Postchaise 5, Boot & Shoe 3; Victoria 3, Brawns Den 3; Masons Utd 3, Eldon Arms 4; Two Blues 2, Green Tree 3; North Briton 1, Horndale 4; Shildon Athletic 5, Cumby Arms 0.