Making new friends

With new teams entering the NPL for the first time, and the change in the boundaries pitting unfamiliar clubs against each other, there were a number of first time meetings and there will no doubt be plenty more throughout the campaign.

One of those on the opening day came at Borough Park, where relegated Workington welcomed Pickering Town for a BetVictor Northern Premier N/West clash.

To mark their first-ever visit to Borough Park, Reds’ director, Ross Peacock, presented an engraved glass memento to Pickering Town representatives prior to Saturday’s league fixture.

The two clubs had never met before in league, cup or friendly action.

Margaret Dunning is pictured receiving the gift from Ross with Town’s Tim Prest looking on.

Amongst the other first meetings across the weekend were Morpeth Town at Warrington Town, and Marine’s clash with Dunston.