SUNDAY League title favourites Bardon Mill Bowes Lyons started the new post-Covid campaign in fine fashion as they defeated rivals Prudhoe Halfway House.

A double from Mark Robson and singles from Dan Kirkup and Jack Barker saw Mill, who had Thomas Wilkie impressing, claim the 4-2 victory.

The scores were tied at 2-2 at half time with Arron Fletcher and Grant Raynor netting for Halfway, who had debutant David Wansell named as man of the match.

Hexham Phoenix top Division One after the opening round of fixtures as they returned from the North Tyne with a 4-1 victory.

Man of the match Lewis Loughhead, James Stokoe, Tony Lancaster and Kurtis Harvey all found the back of the net.

Hexham had to come from a goal behind after man of the match Liam Anderson had given the hosts the lead.

A double from Harry Murray and a goal from Billy Rogan saw Haltwhistle Railway defeat Crawcrook Fox and Hounds 3-1. Lewis Weeks was named star man.

After looking comfortable at three goals ahead, Haydon Bridge Social Club held on to record a narrow 4-3 victory at Heddon.

Man of the match Kieran Robley helped himself to a hat-trick, with Joel Pearson also registering.

For Heddon, a double from Will Hedley and a goal from Joe O’Donnell saw them fall just short.

In Division Two, goals from Jordan Phillips, Tom Thirlwell, Nathan Moore and Sam Mannion earned Halfway House United a 4-1 victory over Hexhamshire.

Up The Street put six without reply past Heddon United Reserves, while Heddon United U23 lost by the odd goal in three at home to FC Ryton.

Will McClure hit a consolation and Robert Oliver was man of the match as Barrasford lost 3-1 at Ryton Michelangelo’s.

FIXTURES

ESI Ltd Division One: Bardon Mill Bowes Lyons v Haydon Bridge United (Paul Best); Prudhoe Halfway House v Heddon (David Dowling); Crawcrook Fox & Hounds v Hexham Phoenix (Mick Scrygemour); Haltwhistle Railway v Riding Mill (Richard Stokoe).

The PHOENIX Hexham Division Two: Hexhamshire v Heddon Utd Under 23 (Chris Gribbon); Barrasford v Up The Street (Nick Vincent); Heddon Utd Reserves v Micheangelo’s (Colin Smith).

Durham Sunday Cup: FC Ryton v Seaton Social.