Upsets aplenty as Jim Nichols’ Carlisle grab away point on Ebac opening day

“Don’t let your children grow up thinking football is a programme on the television” says a message on the gates of Heaton Stannington’s Grounsell Park stadium, located halfway between Jesmond and Wallsend.

On the opening day of the Northern League Division 2 season, 258 people remembered exactly that as crowds returned to the lower leagues of English football.

They saw an entertaining game with some near misses as Jim Nichol’s Carlisle City drew 1-1 away to the club affectionately known as ‘the Stan’.

Points shared in season opener – Carlislecityfc.co.uk

Last season’s top scorer Rob McCartney opened his 2020-21 tally in the second half following good work by Marc Shiel and Josh Simpson. That goal levelled Regan Patterson’s first-half opener and the game ended 1-1.

City manager Jim Nichols, sponsored by Prost International, told us:

“We found first half hour difficult and they probably should have been out of sight.

“However, once we settled in to the game we probably had the clearer chances. Near the end, they had a great chance and I thought they’d nicked it, so I was a little relieved because of that one moment.

“That said, we created an even better chance just after that, so perhaps I should be ruing the draw!

“Overall and in fairness to Stan, I think both teams would have thought they could win so probably a fair outcome.

“Given we were away, they were such a good side last year and we were missing Sam Atkinson, I would have taken a draw at the start of the day.”

OPENING DAY UPSETS

Meet Billingham Synthonia from the town that inspired Huxley’s “Brave New World”

There were a considerable number of upsets on the opening day elsewhere as the teams who dominated this division last season had difficult starts.

Last year’s runaway winners West Allotment Celtic could only draw 0-0 at mid-table Jarrow, while Billingham Synthonia – who were fourth in last year’s incomplete season – lost 2-1 at Easington Colliery, who were mostly a bottom half side.

Second place Redcar fell 3-0 at Crook Town, who were also very strong last season, finishing third but now find themselves as the first league leaders.

That pattern was repeated elsewhere as sixth-placed finisher Ryton & Crawcrook Albion fell 1-0 to Bedlington Terriers. Bedlington too did not feature in the promotion race last season, so both results are very creditable for the home sides, as was the Colliers’ home win over Synthonia.

Top scorers were Willington who won 4-3 away to Durham City. Luke Bailey scored twice and Kurt Seymour and Lewis Martin adding one each. You can see the highlights below.

Goals from today's 4-3 victory over @DurhamCity_AFC ⬇️

A fantastic game of football.

Scorers:@lukebailey102 (2) sponsored by @HarlePeel @kurtseymour3 sponsored by @lew_jb @lewismartin3112 sponsored by Tindale Deli.#willo #teamibby ?⚪?⚪ pic.twitter.com/aSwyDd31Hw

— Willington AFC (@WillingtonAFC) September 5, 2020