CATS USE ALL THEIR NINE LIVES
HARTLEPOOL United were denied a memorable victory over neighbours Sunderland after Benji Kimpioka’s injurytime equaliser salvaged parity for the Black Cats.
Matthew Bates’ Pools started the brighter and grabbed a deserved opener midway through the first half.
A mix up in the Sunderland backline put Niko Muir through on goal and the striker, who found the net 40 times for Hendon last season, brilliantly clipped the ball over the keeper.
Hartlepool continued to impress and came close to doubling their lead just before half time when Ryan Donaldson fired an effort just over the bar.
As the second half wore on, Sunderland began to apply more pressure and the visitors should have drawn level 10 minutes from time when striker Chris Maguire dragged a close-range effort just wide.
Nevertheless, the 2,200 travelling fans were finally able to celebrate a goal when Kimpioka fired home a spectacular 25- yard strike at the death.
Margate produced a spirited comeback to secure a dramatic draw against Gillingham.
The Gate were three goals down after an hour before goals from Joe Taylor and Kofi Boateng gave the hosts a glimmer of hope.
Margate then completed a superb turnaround as Taylor grabbed his second of the game deep into stoppage time.
After suffering heartbreak in the play-offs last season,
Hampton & Richmond began preparations for the upcoming campaign with a credible 2-1 victory over Oxford United.
The Us took an early lead through Dejon Noel-Williams, before Zack Joseph beat Scott Shearer at his near-post to level the scores at half-time.
The match was decided half an hour from time when Chris Dickson rose highest to head home James Hammond’s pin-point cross. Chippenham Town prevailed over League Two side Newport County thanks to a fine 25-yard strike from debutant Jack Compton.
FC Halifax Town fell to a 2-1 defeat against a strong Bolton Wanderers side at The Shay.
Bolton raced into a two-goal lead through Adam Le Fondre and Sammy Ameobi, before Mekhi McLeod halved the deficit with a fine solo goal. National League South side
Concord Rangers won plenty of plaudits with a convincing 3-1 win over Colchester United, while Ebbsfleet United beat FC Ferreiras, of Portugal, 4-2, thanks to goals from Myles Weston (2), Danny Kedwell and Chris Bush.