Helen Richardson, formerly of Newton Aycliffe SC, gave Durham City a flying start to life in the Northern League, Division Two, scoring eight goals in the 14-0 demolition of Saltburn.

And her performance earned her the player of the match award.

The other goals came from Jane Tremere, Julie Campbell (2), Magda Carr (2) and Gemma Charlton.

Manager Stephen Hamil said: "It was both club's first competitive match and it was great for Durham to kick off the season so well, turning on the style.

"The defence and midfield looked very solid and played some attractive football. Kemp made some great saves for Saltburn but Gemma Charlton, formerly of Sunderland Ladies scored one (and missed a penalty). Former hockey player, Julie Campbell, scored two in her first competitive game."

Club captain Dionne Martens said: "It was excellent to kick off the season with such a great win. We have made no secret over the fact that we are hoping to be battling for promotion to the first division of the Northern League this season."

Thirsk Falcons

Results: September 10: U-9: Darlington 21st All Stars B 0, Thirsk A 3; Darlington 21st All Stars A 3, Thirsk A 1; Darlington 21st All Stars A 2, Thirsk B 0; Darlington 21st All Stars B 2, Thirsk B 1; U-10: Thirsk A 0, Darlington 21st All Stars A 3; Thirsk A 3, Darlington 21st All Stars B 3 (Bowe, Christen, McKendry); Thirsk B 1, Darlington 21st All Stars B 1 (Cattel); Thirsk B 1, Darlington 21st All Stars A 2 (Cattel); U-11: Northallerton 3, Thirsk 3; Under-12: Northallerton 3, Thirsk 4 (James 2, Barwick, og); U-14: Northallerton 3, Thirsk 3 (Hounchen, Leckenby, Johnson); U-15: Northallerton 2, Thirsk 4 (Anderson 3, Adams); Under-16: Thirsk 5, Northallerton 2 (Dixon, Cobb 2, Walker); U-17: Thirsk 4, Barwick Juniors 5; Under-10: Thirsk Falcons A 0, Catterick AWS 4; Thirsk Falcons B 0, Catterick AWS 4

September 17: U-12: Thirsk Falcons 6 (Elders 2, Lake 2, Lawley, James), Barnard Castle 0; U-15s: Thirsk Falcons 3 (Anderson 3), Barnard Castle 1

Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre

Results: Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre 8 (Thorne, Flory, Lowe 4, Wild 2, MoM - David Thorne M Flory), Stockton West End B 0; U-12: Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre 2 (Borsberry 2, MoM - Poskett) Darlington Spraire Lads 1; U-13: Stockton West End 3, Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre 4 (Robinson, J Miller, D Neal, M Shepheard, MoM - G Robinson); U-16: Yarm Town Boys 2, Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre 6 (M Cairns 3, T Stebings, A Gasgarth, S Tarling, MoM - M Crages).

l Newton Aycliffe, playing in the Auckland and District Ebac Youth League is looking for additional players to boost their squad. "Last Saturday we only had the bare 11 players for our game with Bishop Auckland," said manager Joe Blackett, who can be contacted on (01325) 308276.

l The next meeting of the Northallerton and District Referees Association will be held at The Lodge, Leeming Bar, on Monday, October 2 at 7.30pm.

The guest speaker will be Colin Webster from Durham who was promoted this season to referee in the Nationwide League. He was also an assistant referee in the FA Premier League and ran the line at this year's FA Trophy final at Wembley.

The meeting is open to non-members and anyone requiring further details is requested to contact association secretary Barry Sygmuta on (01609) 776262