Shock Scores A Plenty On National League Opening Day

By Sam Elliott

The first day of the National League season was typically eventful as the new campaign arrived with plenty of shock results.

The curtain came up with a number of surprises as one of the early promotion favourites came unstuck.

Barnet, tipped by many to return to the EFL after a summer of excellent recruitment, went down 2-1 at FC Halifax as Adam Alimi-Adetoro got the winner.

Devante Rodney scored twice in Rochdale’s 3-0 victory at Boston United - the newcomers had no answer as Dale embark on their mission to return to League Two.

Tylor Golden struck a debut winner as Altricnham defeated Woking while James Henry rescued a point for Aldershot at home to Forest Green, it was a 3-3 thriller.

Gateshead midfielder Greg Olley was many people’s player of the day as his hat-trick sent Ebbsfleet packing, it ended 5-1.

Nick Houghton will argue with that - he scored three times too as AFC Fylde defeated Solihull Moors.

Oldham Athletic eased past Braintree Town 3-0 as Jake Vokins’ goal put the seal on Eastleigh’s success at Maidenhead.

In the live DAZN game York City earned a point as Lenell John-Lewis’ leveller took home a point from Southend United.

Jack Hunter ensured it was a great return to Yeovil Town for Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll.

Josh Coley rescued a point for Sutton United at Tamworth as Dagenham defeated Wealdstone 2-1.

A lot to the National League North attention has been focused on Chester but they had a first day to forget.

Spennymoor Town ran out easy 3-0 winners, Issac Fletcher scored twice.

Scunthorpe United want to be up there too and a brilliant 3-0 victory at Brackley Town was earned with a double from Alfie Beestin.

James Spencer also scored twice as Curzon Ashton made sure it wasn’t a welcome Needham Market would remember .

Maz Kouhyar grabbed a brace as Kidderminster Harriers won at Darlington.

Hereford eased past South Shield 3-0 as Buxton beat Leamington.

The National League South season started in style with plenty of big results.

Worthing were the headline grabbers. 3-0 down at half-time at Weston-super-Mare, they repaired the damage. Jack Spong and Danny Cashman both grabbed second half braces to inspire an incredible fightback.

Boreham Wood got off to a winning start - Tyrone Marsh hit the winner as Bath City left beaten.

Dorking Wanderers left Truro City with all three points thanks to Charlie Carter.

Ricky Holmes’ double made it a winning start for Farnborough at Chippenham.

There were also opening day wins for promotion hopefuls Maidstone United and Torquay, as Welling beat Aveley and Slough Town beat Chelmsford City 2-1.

Elsewhere Tonbridge beat Hampton 3-1 as Hemel Hemstead had to settle for a draw at home to Salisbury, who lead 2-0 thanks to Craig Fasanmade.

Where next?

Halifax Will 'Only Get Better' After Beating Barnet Chris Millington says title tips Barnet have no need to fear despite his FC Halifax Town side putting one over on them.
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