HEXHAM Sunday League champions Haltwhistle Jubilee top Group A after the opening round of games as they defeated Heddon St Andrew's 4-1.
Dan Parker scored twice and James Charteries and Greg Irwin one apiece for Haltwhistle, with Sean Hownam replying for Sunday League rivals Heddon, who went on to win the shoot-out 3-2.
Two new signings produced the goods for Wallington as goals from Michael Bray and Andy Anderson earned them a 2-1 win over reigning champions Ponteland United .
The goals came either side of an Alex Nesbitt strike for Ponteland, who claimed a point by clinching a penalty victory by four goals to three.
Victory in the penalty shoot-out edged Hexham ahead of Northern League opponents Ryton and Crawcrook Albion .
After the Group B tie was level at 2-2 after extra time, Northern Alliance side Hexham gained the extra point for winning on pens as they converted three spot kicks to Ryton's two.
It followed an entertaining game as Tony Lancaster twice equalised for Hexham, cancelling out Mike Robinson's brilliant 25-yard free kick and an own goal.
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