Following relegation from the Arngrove Northern League, Willington made a winning start scoring two late goals to deny Wolviston a point at Hall Lane.

Jimmy Greening gave the visitors an early lead but within five minutes Andrew Howard levelled. The game appeared to be heading for a draw but in the last six minutes Willington struck twice through James Seymour and Danny Lee.

Teesside Athletic produced an encouraging performance before losing 3-2 at Stokesley SC, widely tipped to be among the championship contenders.

James Alsop, Jonathan Newton and Craig Johnson were on target for the home side with Gary Young and Steve Hodgson replying for Athletic.

Coxhoe Athletic, who challenged all the way for the title last season, fielded several new players and lost 3-0 to Cleator Moor Celtic whose scorers were Zak Rudd, Gareth Evans and Craig Scott.

Cleadon SC comfortably won the South Tyneside derby at Boldon CA. All three goals from Mark Johnson (two) and Kyle Pendergood came in the first half.

Jarrow were also involved in a local derby and emerged 2-0 winners over Harton and Westoe. Philip Dolphin and John Grant struck inside 27 minutes but in between, Mark Oliver had a penalty saved by Jarrow goalkeeper Jonathan Carmichael.

Kevin Burns and Michael Patterson were the marksmen in Ryhope CW's 2-1 victory over Shotton Comrades and Birtley Town won by a similar margin at Annfield Plain.

After Tony Thirkell had given the visitors the advantage, Chris Soulsby soon restored parity but ten minutes from time, newcomer Stephen Rochester clinched victory for Birtley.

Gateshead Low Fell reached double figures at Ferryhill Athletic who managed just one goal from John Peacock. David Colvin (three), Sonny Parker (two), Christopher Hill, John Parker, Stephen Buzzeo, Liam Bell and Chris Feasey all penetrated the Ferryhill defence.