Northallerton 2, Burley Trojans 1: BURLEY Trojans' campaign got off to a a disappointing start

After a sterile opening Trojans created the first genuine attack of note whenIan McKain and Jonny Lofthouse combined to set up Dave McKain whose snapshot was well saved by Andrew Hird. The young keeper, anxious to atone for his howler in last season's corresponding fixture which cost his side a point.

The home side went in front after 35 minutes when Trojans struggled to clear a dangerous attack and the ball was returned to the far post where Cardie scored.

There was worse to come for the visitors six minutes later when influentialmidfielder James Pepper rose unchallenged to head home.

It was crucial that Trojans steadied the ship and, on the stroke of half time, they reduced the arrears when Connolly's astute pass found Gareth Goodison. The young substitute, on for the injured Dave McKain, timed his run to perfection to beat the static home defence and he kept his composure to tuck the ball beyond Hird.

Burley Trojans 1, Otley Town Reserves 5: Both sides, who had closely contested the league title last season, hadsuffered opening day setbacks which gave the fixture added importance.

Although second best in terms of possession during the first half, Trojans defended stoutly and stand-in keeper Tim Fendyke pulled off a tremendous reflex save to deny Town after 20 minutes.

Town continued to press but it was Trojans who took the lead on the stroke of half time when Quaife arrived at the far post to head Connolly's perfectly flighted free kick past Pollard from the tightest of angles.

Town's response was immediate as they levelled within 60 seconds of the restart when Dinsdale bundled the ball in at the far post.

Dinsdale fired Town in front with 20 minutes remaining, profiting from a slip by Fendyke but Trojans were not finished and Quaife continued to pose a threat to the Town goal, rising majestically to power a header against the bar

This proved a turning point as Town broke away for Alderson to expose some slack marking to extend the lead before Dinsdale completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards with Trojans looking for an offside flag.

Dave White completed Trojans misery two minutes from time when he tricked hisway along the byline before squeezing the ball home from an acute angle.

Both Trojans sides are in action at Tockwith in a double header on Saturday.

The first team play at 2.00pm with the Reserves kicking off at 4.00pm.