WITTON Albion's difficult week ended with a point earned at Whitby Town on the opening day of the BetVictor Northern Premier League season.

Despite disappointing showings in recent friendlies and the loss of skipper Rob Hopley with a knee injury in midweek, Carl Macauley's men secured a 1-1 draw against the Seasiders with six debutants in their midst.



Chris Renshaw, Jack Byrne, James Short, Adam Anson, James Murray and Tom Edwards all got their maiden competitive runs in the first team.

Danny McKenna put Albion in front from the penalty spot in the 21st minute when he sent the keeper the wrong way.

That was a consequence of Billy Smart being fouled by Luke Bythway.

Matthew Tymon put the hosts back on level terms two minutes into the second half with a looping effort from distance.

Goalkeeper Renshaw came to Witton's rescue with several strong saves in the second period.

That included one in the 90th minute by the 21-year-old former Everton stopper from an Adam Gell close-range effort.




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Meanwhile, 1874 scored all five goals in the second half as they nilled Charnock Richard on their own turf in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Jake Parker netted the opener (49mins) and the third (69), with Taylor Kennerley (60), Nathan Okome (84) and Callum Gardner (90) also getting in on the act to keep the visitors top of the table.





There was joy for Northwich Victoria too.

Steve Wilkes' side bagged league win number two with a 2-0 victory over Skelmersdale at Wincham Park.



The goals came in a five-minute spell in the second half, Joel Brownhill with the first after 55 minutes.

And it was from his rocket shot that was parried by the keeper which allowed Tom Kilifin to net the second.

Barnton were disappointing in a 2-0 home loss to Cheadle Heath Nomads at Townfield.

Goals were conceded in each half, while the Villagers failed to score for the second time in four matches.