Easington Colliery were the only one of the four new sides to claim a point on the opening day of the season.

They did well to hold fancied Boldon CA to a draw after conceding the lead to David Hopper who headed in at the back post on 50 minutes. Within 14 minutes the Colliers were level as Chris Tarn struck.

The other three debutants all lost. East Durham United, with a young side, suffered a 6-0 defeat at Cleator Moor Celtic whose marksmen were Gareth Evans (2), Jack Rudd (2), Glynn Edwards and Carl Fillingham.

Silksworth Community leaked four goals to Cleadon SC for whom Michael Armstrong and David Wheeler each bagged a brace.

Ashbrooke Belford House also conceded four goals but managed one at Wolviston courtesy of David Baxter.

The game was a personal triumph for Colin Holmes who celebrated his debut with a hat-trick. Richie Walker was Wolviston's other scorer.

Although John Webster cancelled out Nicky Ward's fourth-minute penalty, Hartlepool could not prevent New Marske from making a recover and go on to win 3-1.

Graham Solomon headed them back into the league and a Brian Linighan own goal cemented victory.

Whitehaven, runners-up last time, began with a 4-2 win at Teesside Athletic.

James Wilson put the home team in front with his first touch of the ball for his new club but the Cumbrians hit back with two goals in four minutes from Craig Robson.

After Andrew Mitchell levelled from the penalty spot, Whitehaven finished strongly. Darren Donald put them 3-2 ahead and as Teesside pressed in search of an equaliser they left the way open for Robson to complete his hat-trick.

Alan Coxon and Colin Snailham steered Annfield Plain to victory against Harton and Westoe, whose only response was credited to Paul Murray while Ryhope CW also won by a 2-1 margin, at Guisborough Black Swan. Michael Davison scored both goals with Michael Douse replying.

After leaking four goals to Ted Kirkbride, James Reid (2) and Andrew McDonald, Coxhoe struck twice in the last 10 minutes courtesy of Steve Lawson and Michael Owens at Windscale.

Jarrow went nap at home to Willington who scored first through Brett Cummings.

The visitors though suffered when they were harshly reduced to 10 men and Jarrow took full advantage, winning at a canter with second half strikes from Craig Armstrong, Andy Wilkinson, Darren McGinley, Neil Archbold and Keith Hallway.