FIRST division newcomers Marcia came within a whisker of defeating last year's champions but in the end had to settle for a point when Wigginton equalised late on through Mark Pemberton.

Matthews scored Wigginton's other with Allison and Smith hitting the target for Marcia FC.

Magnet took the lead against Acomb WMC through Darren Ward but a 30-yard strike from James Hewitson levelled matters before half time. Acomb however were too strong in the second half with Hewitson scoring two more, Steve Cross (2), Neil Rankeillor and Karl Young also netting as they ran out 7-2 winners.

Volunteers also hit seven as they trounced Zafs 7-0, Joe Gaughan and Kevin Jackson each netting twice.

Lake and Woodward both scored hat-tricks as Severus WMC also went seven-up with a 7-3 conquest of Nestl Rowntree.

A David Iddon goal just after half time ensured New Earswick got off to a winning start with a hard fought 1-0 win over Hounds.

In division two a second half strike from John Barker was enough to give newly-promoted Blacksmiths arms a winning start at the expense of Riccall.

In a topsy-turvy tussle at the Dell Jubilee came out on top by the odd goal in five.

Craig Fletcher gave Jubilee the lead but two goals in five minutes from Hughes and then Edmondson sent Carlton 2-1 up at half time.

Dean Dawson equalised ten minutes into the second half and Fletcher then hit his second and the winner midway through the half.

Derwent Utd made a winning start to life in division two against newly promoted Selby Olympia, Ward (2) and Craggs scoring in their 3-1 win. Chris Harkin scored for Selby.

Lee Johanson scored twice and James Craske once as Copmanthorpe got off to a winning start in their division three game at Wilberfoss 3-0.

In division four Wigginton GH won the derby with Haxby Lions 5-1, Tom Coats (2), Ben Coats (2) and Neil Green their scorers, with Mike Taylor Haxby's hit-man.

Ten-man Northern Spirit had to dig deep under relentless pressure to hang on for a superb 3-2 victory over Boy & Barrel.

Mark Grewer, Joe McMullen and an own goal, shared the Spirit plunder, Lansbury and Bogie replying.

Heworth came out on top 6-4 against Wanderers, Park and O'Loughlin each netting twice.

Former Copmanthorpe striker Matty Bastock had an outstanding debut for his new club Opticare scoring three as they won 7-2 at Inland Revenue.

Greyhound opened their season with a 5-2 win over Sporting Civil Service with Mick Noble scoring twice.

In division six Kings Arms had hat-tricks from Mark Sorby and Steve Cowley in their 8-0 win over First York.

CPP took the lead through Holloway against Hambleton who then rallied to take a 2-1 half time lead through Wilson and Rawson. Matthew Dunne then scored twice in the second half as Hambleton ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Paul Hughes hit a hat-trick as Barlby ran out 7-2 winners over Poppleton Road WMC.

London York meanwhile beat Burton Stone by the odd goal in seven aided by a brace from Steve Lampsall.

Updated: 12:25 Friday, September 14, 2001