FORMER Bradford (Park Avenue) defender Billy Priestley proved the difference for his new team Clitheroe this weekend, as they won 2-1 at Brighouse Town on the opening day of the Northern Premier League Division One North West season.

The first 70 minutes went well for Brighouse. Young Eddie Church was unlucky to hit the post early on, but he gave the hosts the lead just before the hour mark when he headed home Jack Boyle's inch-perfect cross.

But Brig had Tom Haigh dismissed for a second bookable offence with 20 minutes left, and seconds later, Clitheroe captain Priestley reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box to fire home an equaliser.

And after his side won a corner in the 89th minute, Priestley was the one who bundled the ball home to give his side all three points at the death.

There was better news for Campion, who began their Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Glasshoughton Welfare.

Glasshoughton were challenging for promotion alongside the Red and Blacks before last season was cut short, so this was a good win.

Former Silsden striker Aidan Kirby proved the difference, scoring the only goal of the game in the 14th minute.

The hosts were all over their visitors in the first half, but could not find a second goal, and that nearly came back to haunt them after the break, as Campion goalkeeper Stephen Kerr was forced into a brilliant double save with 20 minutes to go to preserve the three points for his side.