IN what was being billed as an early potential title decider, Hexham Phoenix came out on top as they travelled to Heddon St Andrew's .

Both sides are tipped to be one of the many teams who could challenge for the league title, and it was the Hexham side who picked up a big three points as they edged it 2-1.

Goals from Luke Parkinson and Callum Duncan settled it in Phoenix's favour, with Dan Walker replying for Heddon. George Ridley was named Hexham's star man, with Michael Connelly earning the accolade for Heddon.

Haydon Bridge Anchor made an eye-catching start to life in Division One as they defeated another predicted championship contender, Barrasford .

Two goals from Phil Tipple and one each from Conan Flanagan and Kieran Robley earned them the 4-2 victory, with Gavin Boyd named man of the match. For Barrasford, star man Will Forsyth and Marc Nixon found the back of the net.

A goal from Billy Rogan was enough to earn Bardon Mill Bowes Lyons the points as they defeated Ryton Country House 1-0. Greg Irwin was their man of the match, while Colyn Liddle impressed for Ryton.

A double from Corey McLauchlan and singles from Geoffrey Bowes, Teo Birsan and Cam Hall earned Wylam Black Bull a 5-2 victory over Crawcrook Fox and Hounds in their opening Division Two fixture.

Goalkeeper Matty Quinn impressed during a man of the match display for Bull, with Ryan Anderson starring for Fox, who had Lee Peacock on target.

Hexhamshire made it two wins from two as goals from man of the match Nathan Riley, Mark Stobbart and Martyn Ridley saw them to a 3-0 win over Hexham Hearts , who had Joe Shepherd named man of the match.