LOSTOCK Gralam left it late, scoring twice in the closing stages to make a winning start to the new season.

Joseph Carroll teed up fellow substitute James Welsh with seven minutes left, and his shot on the turn flashed past the home team’s goalkeeper.

A second goal followed shortly afterwards, this time when Billy Whitehouse steered in from a corner.

The visitors, with former manager Pat Collins filling in for absent boss Dom Johnson, had been the better side before the break as they begin a bid to bounce back at the first attempt following relegation from League One last term.

Will Reid’s shot struck the crossbar, while the hosts’ custodian saved smartly to deny Carl Harvey and Paul Richardson.

They return to action next Saturday at West Didsbury & Chorlton reserves, kick off 3pm.