What Happened On Saturday In The National League?

It’s curtain-up as the campaign kicked-off - and there was a sting in the tail for a few of the fancied sides.

There were eight away wins from the nine matches played - and it was so nearly a full house.

Well-backed Wrexham almost left Solihull Moors with victory, but a late goal from Joe Sbarra, his second of the game, gave Neal Ardley a 2-2 draw in his first game in charge.

Things didn’t go to plan for Stockport County - despite going ahead, goals from Will Wright, Josh Walker and Matt Robinson turned things around in Dagenham’s 3-1 win.

Beaten Promotion Finalists Torquay United had a frustrating opener, they went down 3-1 at home to impressive Altrincham, pictured.

But a number of the club expected to shine began very strongly.

Two-goal Ruben Rodrigues helped Notts County on their way to a fine 5-0 win at Barnet. It wasn’t the start Harry Kewell wanted against his former employer.

Chesterfield have had a productive summer - new striker Kabongo Tshimanga marked his debut with a goal and Danny Rowe got the other as they won 2-0 at Aldershot.

Newcomers Southend United edged past King’s Lynn Town 1-0, the first goal of the National League season coming from Sam Dalby early on.

New-look Woking are full-time for the first time but old face Max Kretzschmar stole the show with a double as the Cards won 2-1 at Wealdstone.

Boreham Wood no longer have Tshimanga but they do have Kane Smith and Tyrone Marsh. Their goals did for Weymouth, 2-0 it ended in Dorset.

Kane Ferdinand’s first Maidenhead United appearance had a stunning end - his 90th minute winner sealed a dramatic late win at FC Halifax Town.

In the National League North, Gloucester City sent out a message.

Leading the way when last season was curtailed, they thumped title favourites York City 4-0 to show they mean business once again.

Dan King, Fabien Robert, Kevin Dawson and Matt McClure made it back-to-back defeats for the Minstermen.

AFC Fylde have started very strongly and Nick Haughton’s penalty ten minutes from time broke Boston United’s hearts.

Kidderminster Harriers have been perfect so far and turned on the second-half style to win 3-0 against Blyth Spartans.

Spennymoor Town are also 100 per cent, a thrilling 3-2 success over Southport was secured by Rob Ramshaw.

Brackley Town have two wins from two, a 1-0 victory against Alfreton was earned with ten men, Matt Lowe’s winner sent their fans home very happy.

In the National League South, four teams are also flawless.

The Hawks of Havant & Waterlooville are flying - a dramatic 2-1 win against Hampton & RB was secured by Alex Wall in the final few seconds.

Dartford are living up to expectations so far, Adebayo Azeez, Noor Husin and George Porter got the goals in a simple-looking victory over Slough Town.

Bath City got to Tonbridge late but Cody Cooke struck early as they won 1-0 in Kent.

Alfie Pavey hit the winning goal as Maidstone United gave the travelling fans something to really cheer, beating Chelmsford City 2-1.

Eastbourne were hit for five on the opening day - they scored five this time as they rolled Billericay Town over with ease.

Oxford City and Concord Rangers played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Dorking Wanderers turned it around, James McShane scored a late winner to leave St Albans City sorry.

For all Saturday’s results, click here.