Garforth Town recorded their biggest opening day victory since 1996 – and marquee summer signing Adam Priestley wasn’t even on the team-sheet.
Adam Porritt, Sean Hunter and Mark Simpson all scored as Garforth beat new-look Handsworth 3-0 at home in front of a bumper crowd of 155.
Priestley was unavailable as Garforth won by three or more goals on the opening day for the first time since their 3-0 victory over Bildworth. That was a sign of things to come as that year Dave Parker led them to promotion out of Division One of the Northern Counties East League.
Goole enjoyed an unbelievable opening day 6-0 victory over Athersley Rec.
Considering Terry Barwick and Matty Bloor’s men only stayed up last season because of a final day victory over Hall Road Rangers, the score-line was remarkable.
Archie Brown’s hat-trick and Devonte Morton’s double gave Goole an unassailable five-goal half-time lead. Former Hall Road striker Reagan Waud then added sixth straight after the interval.
Athersley’s day was compounded by the dismissal of Kai Hancock.
Ollie Fearon was sent off as Liversedge drew 2-2 at Maltby Main. Fearon had enjoyed a dream start to his ‘Sedge career as he had fired them into an 18th minute.
Joe Kenny then doubled the lead straight after the interval. But Fearon saw red for a bad challenge and Maltby hit back through Joe Austin and Gavin King. Maltby also had midfielder Jonathan Hill sent off.
Lee Elam’s Eccleshill United reign began with a 1-1 draw with Staveley Miners Welfare.
Nathan Woodward’s early goal was cancelled out by Staveley’s Michael Burke.
Knaresborough Town lost 2-0 at AFC Mansfield.