Darlington RA were denied an opening-day victory when ten-man Ryhope equalised with just five minutes remaining.

Danny Sowden had given the visitors the lead on the hour before drama unfolded ten minutes later when Ryhope goalkeeper Michael Burlinson was ordered off. The odds were then with RA but Richard Nell celebrated his debut when he levelled.

Newcomers Barnard Castle Glaxo led at the halfway stage before eventually losing 3-2 to Birtley Town who are expected to be among the front-runners for the championship.

Harrison was first to strike and Murray netted during the second period when Paul Tirrell and Anthony Lynch were on target for the hosts. With just three minutes left, Michael Ford hit Birtley's winner.

Stanley United did not have a lot to shout about last season but they were happy with their first performance of the campaign. They romped to a 4-0 win against Cleadon SC at Hill Top as the goals flowed from Aaron Scott, with a brace, Steve Hamill and Shaun Gregory. For good measure, Alan Wilkinson saved a penalty.

Redcar Town were happy on their return journey from Whitehaven after securing a 3-1 win with goals by Billy Millington (2) and Brian Crawley. Stephen Stoddart was the Cumbrians' marksman.

Stokesley finished 2-1 ahead at Boldon CA where they soon recovered after conceding an early goal to David Stephenson. Richard Hore levelled within three minutes and four minutes later Jason Allen hit the winning goal.

A late goal from Brian Cater earned Annfield Plain the points in a 2-1 success over Harton and Westoe. Michael Murray was an early scorer for the Plain and before the interval Wayne Goodwin found the net for the visitors.

Wolviston came back to defeat Jarrow 3-1. Gary Attewell converted a penalty on 20 minutes after Gary Maine had been brought down and it was from the penalty spot that Wolviston equalised 12 minutes into the second half.

John Symon was fouled and Andrew Steel converted the spot-kick. It looked as if Jarrow might hold out but 12 minutes from time, Matt Pickover volleyed home and within a couple of minutes the result was just about settled when Symon slotted past Bill Dolphin.

Champions North Shields started with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Windscale who went ahead as early as the tenth minute through Gary Hodgson and did not score again until the last minute when Joe Shepherd converted a penalty.