West Bowling, back in the Premier Division for the first time since the 90s, returned to their former revamped ground at Emsley's rec for the opening fixture of the new season - but Holme Wood spoiled the party.

The sun was shining and West Bowling played the best football but the visitors triumphed with a gritty 2-1 win.

After a goalless first half in which Bowling had the edge in chances, Holme Wood went in front through defender Mark Meehan, who wasn't closed down quickly enough.

Bowling hit back immediately with Chris Wood rifling home. But Holme Wood got their points when a handball saw Terry Oddy, left, put away the winner from the spot.

Hoping to re-establish themselves in the division after recent relegation worries, Crown paraded eight new signings of mainly youngsters and earned themselves a point against visitors Pudsey.

Going in front midway through the second half, Pudsey conceded a goal in the 85th minute to Dave Armitage, who was the pick of the Crown youngsters.

Defending champions Albion Sports won what could have been a tricky opening match at Bolton Woods withy two first-half goals.

Prolific strikers Taj Singh and Stefan Zoll did the business in the game's first 25 minutes.

Injury-hit Queensbury went in front through Dave Conway at Fairweathter Green before falling away to lose 3-1.

With defender Rob Morgan and front man Andy Atkinson making encouraging debuts, Fairweather drew level through John Penn before going ahead for the first time through a Mark Flanagan deflection and then wrapping the game up with a third goal from Mick Burke.

Justin Malone's new-look Oakenshaw were given a tester by Wyke Wanderers' set of hard-working youngsters. But Noel Whitaker's two goals put Oakenshaw in front at 3-1. Wyke hit back with a late Ian Bell goal.

In Division 1A, a depleted Queensbury conceded a goal in the first minute to visitors Clayton Orient.

Five players were missing - needed for first-team duty - but Queensbury came back to level at 2-2. Orient then produced a winner to edge them out.

In Division 3A, Bolton Woods Socials beat Queen FC 3-2.

A tightly-fought contest saw Woods take the lead at half-time.

Queen replied after the break with goals from Joel Cropp and Luke Wardman but the experienced side of Bolton Woods shone through to take the three points.