LAST season's Goldline Trophy beaten finalists Blackrod Town got this season's campaign off to a good start with a 3-1 win over Atherton Town.

Richard Collier gave them an early lead before Andy Morris equalised for the visitors on 20 minutes. A goal from Dave Sutch regained Blackrod's lead before half-time and after Atherton had been reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes remaining Sammy Cardwell grabbed a third Blackrod goal.

The opening 45 minutes of the Charnock Richard and Ashton Athletic game failed to produce a goal but a couple of second half strikes from Alex Porter (47 mins and 85 minutes) followed by a fine solo effort from Kevin Allen, on 87 minutes, gave Charnock a well-deserved victory.

Tempest United were no match for their North West Counties Division Two visitors Ashton Town, who had the game won before the interval. Paul Townsend hit two cracking goals on 15 and 38 minutes, with Arron Turner (40 mins) completing the scoring.

An experienced Turton outfit brushed aside a youthful Breightmet United. Ian McClellan and Ryan Moore (penalty) gave them a 2-0 half-time lead. Substitute Dave Burrows chipped in with a couple of goals in the final 10 minutes to give the West Lancs League team a comfortable win.

RESULTS: Blackrod Town 3 Atherton Town 1; Tempest United 0 Ashton Town 3; Charnock Richard 3 Ashton Athletic 0; Breightmet United 0 Turton 4.

FIXTURES -- Tonight: Breightmet v Charnock Richard (6.30pm); Ashton Ath v Turton (6.30pm).

Tomorrow: Blackrod v Atherton LR (6.30pm); Stoneclough v Atherton T (6.30pm).

Saturday, July 31: Daisy Hill v Ashton T (3.pm); Tempest v Bolton C (3pm).

Sunday, August 1: Prestwich Heys v Atherton Colls (3pm); Eagley v Elton Vale (2pm).

Monday, August 2: Ashton Ath v Breightmet (6.30pm); Turton v Charnock R (6.30pm).

Tuesday, August 3: Stoneclough v Blackrod (6.30pm); Atherton T v Atherton LR (6.30pm).