SOCCER: Newcomers arrive in style

One of the newcomers FC Gap played out a thrilling 3-2 victory away at last season's division one cup holders Wingates despite starting the game with only 10 men.

In a game played out in great sportmanship it saw Wingates take the upper hand over the new boys with two goals in the opening 10 minutes, the first coming from Waring and the second being converted by Jordan.

The two strikes shocked Gap into action and after half-time Holt scored twice to level the scores level. With 15 minutes of the game remaining Gap's Phil Hutchinson got on to the end of a long ball and slotted the ball home.

White Horse finally broke their hoodoo against Carters Bridge (formerly Carters Arms) when they gained all three points in a highly competitive game. Among the goals were Thornton, Clough and Mulqueeny and in reply for Carters Bridge were Danny Christie and Keith Partington.

Draw specialists

Last season's draw specialists Horwich Vic started off their campaign with an awesome 5-0 victory over newcomers Breightmet Labour Club with Spillman grabbing a hat-trick and further goals from Holmes and Elliot.

In th other two games to be played in this division there were victories for Ladybridge away at Tempest Arms 4-3, Beevers and Hinks both scoring twice and Bridge who won 3-1 away at Pineapple, Stewart two and Walker adding the other,

In the first division Fox & Stork got off to a flying start with 10-0 home romp over Arkwrights, Whelan and O'Brian both bagging four goals each with Chesters and Tyldsley adding the rest.

Two new sides, Crofters Originals and Cyns played out a high scoring match with Cyns gaining all three points from the 8-3 victory. Last season's mid-table side Walkden proved too strong for Crofters Arms and won 5-2 Lynch scoring a hat-trick.

The other new side Smithills opened up their account with a 2-1 win away at Long Pull and Barnstormers gained all the points against Beaumont with a 4-2 scoreline.