Tuesday night’s opponents Harrogate Town started with a 2-0 home win against Vauxhall Motors – one of the sides handed a Blue Square North lifeline last season.

The match-winner against a dogged Vauxhall side was skipper Darren Dunning (pictured) who scored both goals – the first on 33 minutes from the penalty spot and the clincher on 75 minutes after being set-up by Richard Marshall.

There were mixed fortunes for the three promoted clubs – a win, a draw and a postponement – so none of them lost on opening day.

Gateshead could be one of the surprise teams and they started with a 2-0 win at Redditch United.

If it hadn’t been for some heroics by home keeper Danny Lewis, Gateshead would have won by a handier margin.

After a confident start the north east side went ahead on 27 minutes when Graham Armstrong headed in a cross from former Tommy Cassidy target David Southern.

Redditch hit the bar on 72 minutes through Scott Rickards but after star man Kris Gate had struck the United post, Gateshead clinched victory when John Brackstone scored from the penalty spot six minutes from time.

King’s Lynn, who will represent Workington’s longest trip of the season – but not until it’s nearly all over – started with a 1-1 draw at Burscough.

It was a battle of the Linnets with honours even and a draw was probably a fair result.

King’s Lynn opened the scoring against the run of play on 25 minutes with a well-worked goal from a corner. Simon Weaver steered home a head from Greg Crane following Joe Francis’ flag-kick.

After a slow start in the second-half Burscough got up a head of steam and after Chris Robinson hit the post, they grabbed a deserved equaliser when Jay Olsen unselfishly set-up Jay Olsen.

Fleetwood’s opener at home to Hucknall Town was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Town have just signed former Blackpool left-sided full-back or midfielder John Hills., 30 who has been released after three separate spells with the Seasiders.

Droylsden, who came down from the Blue Square Premier, had won five of six pre-season games but they were held 1-1 at home by Tamworth.

It was a dour match in which Droylsden were poor in the first-half and deservedly fell behind on 27 minutes with some slack defending which was punished by Liam Brownhill.

The Bloods looked better in the second half and drew level with a good header by Steve Halford on 55 minutes.

Stafford Rangers and Farsley Celtic were both playing in the Premier last season and met-up on opening day. The honours went to Stafford, but only just – one goal from loanee Tom Thorley (Stoke City) on 71 minutes clinched the points.

I’ve a sneaking fancy for Alfreton this season, despite the fact that they seem to have signed a host of ageing players.

They started with a 3-2 win over Hyde United but needed a header from Josh Law – son of manager Nicky Law – in the third minute of stoppage time to register their opening day victory.

Hyde thought they had earned a point as Wayne Maden had headed them level at 2-2 on 87 minutes.

The visitors had taken the lead against the run of play on 32 minutes from Chris Simms.

But two goals in as many minutes by Paul Clayton and Danny Davidson – boith converting Kris Bowler crosses gave Alfreton the lead – which they held until the 87th minute.

A goal on 58 minutes by Michael Powell earned Southport a 1-0 win at shot-shy Gainsborough Trinity.

Blyth are the first day leaders courtesy of their 3-0 home win over Solihull Moors.

All the goals came in the second-half, starting on 55 minutes when new captain Gareth Williams curled in a spectacular 30-yard free-kick.

Debutant Simon Todd, on loan from Darlington, volleyed in the second after 72 minutes. Robbie Dale completed the scoring with a late penalty.

Stalybridge Celtic and AFC Telford are expected to figure prominently in the promotion race and they couldn’t be separated in their opening day clash at Bower Fold.

Celtic needed an equaliser from Chris Williams to get the point in a 2-2 draw.

The home side had gone in front on seven minutes when a shot from Steve Torpey was deflected past home keeper Ryan Young.

But they went 2-1 behind as goals from Jon Adams (44) and Andy Brown (61) gave Telford the advantage. The equaliser came from Williams after good work by Ashley Woolliscroft.

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