HAVING been denied a second successive title due to last season being declared null and void, Bardon Mill Bowes Lyons start down the marker as they go looking to reclaim the championship they won in 2019.

They were drawn against newly promoted Wark in the opening day of the season and recorded a 3-0 victory, courtesy of goals from man of the match Thomas Wilkie, Dan Parker and Jack Currah, despite a star display from Wark's Nick MacNeil.

Fellow promoted side Haydon Bridge Social Club fared better but went behind to Crawcrook Fox and Hounds, who had Danny Carter on target.

However, two goals from Aaron Hardy and one each from Kieran Robley and man of the match Kev MacDonald secured a 4-1 victory.

A hat-trick from James Reay and a single from Matty Bloomer saw Riding Mill, best served by Shaun Vipond, edge out Hexham Phoenix 4-3.

A late winner from Reay ensured a treble from Hexham's man of the match Luke Parkinson was in vain for the home side.

Prudhoe Halfway House made a great start to the campaign as goals from man of the match Josh Mottram, Adam Bell and Grant Raynor saw them to a 3-0 victory over Haltwhistle Railway.

A Marc Nixon treble earned Barrasford a 3-2 victory over Halfway House United in Division Two. Robert Oliver was named star man.

Up The Street made an impressive start to their Hexham campaign as they defeated Hexhamshire 5-1.

Man of the match Callum Robinson, Dan Ranson, Callum Carter, Simon Reed and Jack Barker got their goals, with Josh Dodwell replying for Shire, who had Nathan Drury impressing.

There was victory for FC Ryton too as they put three without reply past league newcomers Heddon United U23 on the opening day of the season.

The league was reduced in numbers when Stamfordham United resigned before the season kicked off.