THE opening day of the new campaign brought victories for Thackley and Albion Sports, a point away from home for Liversedge but no joy for Eccleshill United.

THACKLEY were at home to Barton Town in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division and they came from a goal down to win 2-1.

The visitors claimed a fifth-minute lead when Danny Chambers' goalbound shot was deflected over the Dennyboys keeper.

Thomas Dugdale equalised when he latched on to a through-ball on the half-hour mark – and he turned provider nine minutes from time to set up Mike Garrod for the winner.

ALBION banked three points from their trip to Retford United, although they only won a one-sided game 1-0. Alex Cusack netted the all-important goal midway through the first half after Danny Cunningham's cut-back.

The scoreline did not begin to tell the full story of a game Kulwinder Sandhu's men dominated. The home side's keeper was definitely the busier of the two and Aran Basi, Cusack and Basi again all had headers tipped onto the bar, with Marcus Edwards seeing his best effort saved on the line.

Top-tier rivals LIVERSEDGE played out a goalless draw at promoted Clipstone. It was a good performance by Sedge, who dominated for long spells and more than edged the corner count by forcing ten to the home side's one.

ECCLESHILL lost out in a seven-goal thriller at their newly-named Mitton Group Stadium against newcomers Westella VIP in Division One.

The Eagles led 2-1 at the break, Luke Harrop and a Mike Hewitt own goal putting the home side two up before Alex Wood's 44th-minute reply.

A brace from Chris Spinks and Joe McFadyen put Westella in the driving seat but Mark Trueman scored the hosts' third to ensure a tight ending.