Carrington make fine start

Robbie Graham (in white) was among the goals for Carrington

A strong first half performance from the champions set them up for a 7-1 home win over Elland Sports, who finished fifth last term.

Robbie Graham got them on their way, finding the top corner with an excellent strike from 25 yards.

Ben Hiley powerfully headed home a Leon Hurles-Brook corner before Graham converted a penalty for his second.

Graham completed a hat trick before the half hour mark. Racing clear, he calmly turned back inside his pursuer and slotted the ball into the far corner.

The home side continued to dominate possession and scored again when another pinpoint corner from Hurles-Brook was headed in by Jordan Coduri.

They made it 6-0 before the interval, Coduri running on to a ball over the top and heading the ball over the onrushing keeper into an empty net.

The visitors improved after the break and created a couple of decent chances but it was Carrington who extended their lead, Hurles-Brook squaring to set up Dan Crosland for a tap in.

Elland grabbed a consolation, Vaughan Boon scoring from the penalty spot, before the game petered out.

Last season’s Division One champions Hollins Holme, the Halifax FA Sunday Cup holders, had beaten Carrington 3-1 in the previous week’s charity game but they went down 2-0 away to Lee Mount in their league opener.

Old Pond, another promoted side, fared no better as they lost 3-2 away to Waiters Arms.

Last year’s runners-up Bowling Green hinted that they will again be a force to reckon with by slamming visitors Feathers 5-0.

North Bridge FC were the only one of the last year’s top three in Division Two to win their opening match in Division One.

North Bridge beat visitors Queens Head 5-3 but champions Top Club lost 4-2 at home to Triangle and Hens Face went down 2-1 with ground advantage against Mount Tabor.

Bradshaw edged out Rastrick BC by the odd goal in nine and Ryburn United top the table on goal difference after a 4-1 derby win over Ryburn Valley.

There are several teams who are either new to the league or have changed their name in Division Two and one of them, Ma Bakers FC, had the biggest win of the day with an 8-0 home success over St Columbas.

Matthew Bagshaw’s side produced some very good passing, leading to some excellent chances.

Robert Morrison (two), David Woffenden (three), Jonny Walker (two) and substitute David Sutton were their scorers with one from Morrison - a 35-yard lob over the ‘keeper - an early contender for goal of the season.

Woffenden ran Saints ragged while club captain Anthony McManamin was very happy with the side’s defensive display.