Farsley AFC began life in the KoolSport Northern Counties East League in the most emphatic way possible with an 8-2 victory at Arnold Town.

The Villagers were helped by the fact that their hosts were reduced to nine men during the game but they are already living up to their billing by many as pre-season favourites to take the title.

Gareth Grant and Dave Stead found the net twice each whilst there were also goals for Andy Cooper, Mark Jackson, Dominic Krief and Thomas Jackson.

Arnold's goals, both in a six-goal first half, came from Tremayne Walters and Tony Law.

Almost as emphatic were Armthorpe Welfare who continued their excellent form at the end of last season with a 5-0 home win to start this campaign.

Two up against Liversedge in the opening fifteen minutes with strikes from Craig Morley and Adam Watson, they built on their fine start with further goals from Craig Fletcher, Chris Dyson and Darren Mansaram in the second period.

Two of the other early favourites for the Premier Division crown both drew their opening fixtures.

Defending champions Bridlington Town came from behind, conceding an eleventh minute Joshua McClean goal, to draw 1-1 at Thackley as Wayne Wallace restored parity just before the interval.

And, a last minute equaliser from Scott Phillips saw Scarborough Athletic draw 2-2 at home to Lincoln Moorlands Railway.

Phillips had earlier scored the first goal of the Premier Division season with a fifth minute penalty before Tom Carrick and Ben Good netted for the visitors.

Division One champions Tadcaster Albion drew 3-3 at Parkgate, Mike Braithwaite grabbing a brace whilst Ashley Worsfold also found the net twice for the hosts in what was a scintillating game.

The other side joining Tadcaster in the top flight were Brighouse Town and their first Premier Division match was one for them to remember as they beat visitors Pickering Town, 3-0.

Nathan Cartman struck twice, once in each half, and Wayne Crossley made sure of the victory with six minutes remaining.

Dinnington Town were 2-1 winners at home to Hallam whilst Selby Town were victorious by the same scoreline over visitors Maltby Main.

Winterton Rangers picked up a 3-1 win at Hall Road Rangers whilst Long Eaton United and Nostell Miners Welfare played out a 1-1 draw at Grange Park.

Bottesford Town are the early leaders of Division One after they annihilated visitors Brodsworth Welfare, 7-1.

Mark Anderson and Jake Cawsey divided four between them whilst Craig Bridge, Carl La Rocca and Tom Finnigan also found the net.

Nathan Hall grabbed an 89th-minute consolation for Brodsworth but last season's poor form that saw them stranded at the bottom of the Premier Division threatens to continue.

The other relegated side, Shirebrook Town, fared far better as they won 5-3 at home to Appleby Frodingham with Simon Johnson scoring two.

Leeds Carnegie, who narrowly missed out on promotion last time round, started off with a 1-0 home victory over AFC Emley, Anthony Hilton with the goal eighteen minutes from time.

A Jamie Rowbotham brace started Louth Town's life off in the NCEL perfectly with a 3-1 win at home to Worsbrough Bridge Athletic.

There were also opening day victories for Barton Town Old Boys, Hemsworth Miners Welfare, Pontefract Collieries, Askern Villa and Staveley Miners Welfare.