Saturday's First Division North action review

A goal with his first touch for his new club saw Andy Johnson help newly-promoted Darlington 1883 start life in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League with a 2-0 win over Warrington Town, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

In front of a crowd of 1,176, the former Bishop Auckland striker came off the bench soon after the restart and within seconds had headed home when unmarked from a Terry Galbraith free-kick to double the Quakers’ lead. Another player to score his first for the club was Jonny Davis, the midfielder who joined midway through Quakers’ Northern League-winning campaign. He lashed home on 25 minutes after a David Dowson pass.

Padiham, promoted from the North West Counties League, didn`t start so well though, beaten 2-0 by Northwich Victoria at Marston Road. A 14th minute Tony Evans penalty and an 80th minute Alex Taylor strike proved enough for fancied Vics, who have switched over from the south.

There were useful away wins for Curzon Ashton, Salford City, relegated Kendal Town, Bamber Bridge and Wakefield on Saturday.

Curzon won 3-1 at Ramsbottom United, taking a 13th minute lead through Matty Warburton. Tom Brookes equalised eight minutes after the break only for Chris Young to restore the visitors` lead four minutes later and then add a third two minutes from time to wrap up the points.

Salford had a Wes Bancroft match winner in the 82nd minute at Station View against Harrogate Railway, while Kendal were behind at Seel Park when Mossley's Andy Keogh scored after 36 minutes. But Danny Mitchley levelled on 57 minutes and a brace from Jordan Connerton in the 75th and 90th minutes won it for the Cumbrians.

Brig edged out Ossett Albion by the odd goal in five at Dimple Wells, taking an 11th minute lead through Ali Waddecar before finding themselves 2-1 down with only 10 minutes left after goals from Ryan Harrison on 72 minutes and Dale Kelly two minutes later. But Matt Mahoney on 83 minutes and then Andy Bell three minutes later turned the game in Brig`s favour.

Wakefield, who had a struggle last season, started the new campaign well with a 1-0 win at Stainton Park against Radcliffe Borough, courtesy of a 66th minute Harrison Blakey effort.

Lancaster City won 1-0 at the Giant Axe against Cammell Laird, thanks to a goal on the hour-mark from Neil Marshall, while Clitheroe won by the same scoreline at home to Farsley AFC, Danny Smith's second minute goal proving decisive in the end.

New Mills beat Burscough 4-2 at Church Lane, with the returning Carlos Meakin bagging a brace in the tenth and 64th minutes – the second from the spot – with Jamie Rother and Michael Fish adding the others on 16 and 83 minutes. Mark Beesley, also from twelve yards on 20 minutes, and Jordan Williams on two minutes after that, replied for the visitors.

And Prescot Cables edged out Ossett Town by the odd goal in five at Valerie Park. Jimmy Eyles bagged two for Town, but he was outgunned by a double from Dave Dempsey on 36 and 83 minutes and one from Connor McCarthy two minutes after half-time.