No dream start for Hotchkiss

Olly Hotchkiss couldn’t mark his first game in charge of Washington with a win as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Tow Law Town.

Dean Thexton continued his impressive form from last season with a brace and a Nick Allen own-goal rounded off a miserable day at Ironworks Road for the Mechanics.

There was better news for Durham City as they came away from Willington with all three points.

Wayne Gredziak got the only goal of the game for the Citizens.

Craig Marron and Andrew Clarkson got the goals in Chester-le-Street Town’s 2-0 home win against Bedlington Terriers.

Craig Hutchinson marked his return to Billingham Town with a brilliant hat-trick in their 4-1 win over Ryton and Crawcrook Albion. Billingham Synthonia fell to a 2-1 defeat at Thornaby.

Jonathan Hurst grabbed a brace as Jarrow began their second season as a Northern League club in fine style with a 4-1 win at Crook Town.

Redcar Athletic were given a brutal introduction to life in the Northern League when they lost 5-1 at Easington Colliery.

Liam Adamson hit a stunning hat-trick to put the Colliers in complete control of the game.

Sam Calvert replied, but two goals in a minute from Aaron Forrest and Tom Goundry eased the Colliers home.

Birtley Town had a positive start to their first season back in the league as they came away from Heaton Stannington with a hard-earned point. Northallerton Town put six past ten-man Esh Winning.