Bishop Auckland manager Brian Honour felt that his side was "very unlucky" to lose their opening First Division game of the season at home to Colwyn Bay, writes RAY SIMPSON.

Bishops lost to a goal by Carl Rogers after 59 minutes, and Honour, who gave Darren Horrigan his debut in goal, said: "Colwyn scored from their only shot on goal. The result was hard to take, because I thought we deserved something out of the game.

"I can't grumble too much about the performance, and I can't point the finger at individual players."

Bishops had some great chances to take the lead. Stuart Irvine failed to score with just the keeper to beat, and Chris I'Anson also missed a good opportunity.

Bishops had most of the possession in the second half, but had to play the last 20 minutes with ten men after I'Anson was shown the red card for a late challenge.

In the First Division, Whitby got off to a good start when they beat Ilkeston 2-0, Scott Nicholson and Anthony Ormerod scoring.

Gateshead drew 1-1 with Lincoln United, conceding an injury time equaliser after Kevin Henderson put them into the lead.