First Day Flashback As National League North Got Going

With the new season edging ever closer, we're taking a look back at the first day of the last campaign.

Fancied York City slumped to defeat at Victory Park against Chorley.

It would be the beginning of a downward spiral for Martin Gray who left the Minstermen two weeks later.

Title winning managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley incredibly found themselves back in the division with Chester.

But the opening day would be an anti-climax as they played out a goalless draw with Spennymoor Town.

Losing promotion-finalists Brackley Town slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Bradford (Park Avenue).

FC United of Manchester got a taste of what was to come against would-be champions Stockport County.

A first-half brace from Matty Warburton set the Hatters well on their way to a 5-1 demolition job.

Like the Reds, Ashton United and Nuneaton Borough were both relegated - they held each other to a goalless draw in their openers.

Kidderminster Harriers were desperate for a promotion push and almost snatched maximum points against Alfreton Town but were stung by a late Bobby Johnson penalty.

Newly-promoted Altrincham were held by Leamington while AFC Telford got their campaign underway with a narrow win over Southport.

Hereford were going for a fourth-consecutive title and started like a house on fire.

Peter Beadle's men notched a comfortable 3-0 win against Blyth Spartans at Edgar Street.

Perhaps the shock of the day was at Darlington despite taking the lead against Curzon Ashton.

But goals from Mason Fawns and Connor Hughes ensured Curzon took all three points back to Greater Manchester.

Guiseley, relegated from the National League, took a few games to get going after starting with defeat at Boston United.

The 2019/20 season gets underway on August 3 and you can view a full fixture list for the National League North by clicking here.