Pickering Town came close to defeating last season’s top side Workington in the 2-2 opening day NPL Division One North West fixture at Mill Lane.
Steve Roberts, who with assistant Tony Hackworth ran to the game from Scarborough to raise money for the club, watched his side enjoy a dream start.
Adam Warrilow placed home an effort from inside the penalty area after just three minutes. Wayne Brooksby then scored directly from a corner on the stroke of half-time.
Workington made two changes at half-time and two late goals rescued a draw for them.
New signing Nathan Modest dramatically scored a last gasp equaliser for Pontefract Collieries who drew 1-1 with Runcorn Linnets.
Tadcaster Albion drew 0-0 at Trafford, while Ossett United lost 2-0 at Mossley and Brighouse Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Clitheroe. Eddie Church had given Brighouse Town the lead.
Jono Margetts’ last minute penalty completed Frickley Athletic’s comeback in the 3-2 Division One South West victory at Chasetown. Todd Jordan and Nathan Jarman had got Frickley back into after Chasetown had raced into an early lead.
Stocksbridge Park Steels lost 1-0 after a late Kidsgrove Athletic goal at Bracken Moor.
Nathan Cartman enjoyed a brilliant start to his competitive Scarborough Athletic league career with a double in the 2-0 Premier Division win at Atherton Collieries.