Shildon stated their intentions for the season when they hammered newly-promoted Thornaby 8-1 at Dean Street on Saturday.

The Railwaymen were a disappointment in the league last season, but their priority this time round is to finish in one of the three promotion places.

Matty Robson gave them an early lead but Thornaby, who ended last season with a long unbeaten run, drew level through Lewis Murphy.

But once Zak Atkinson restored Shildon’s lead, the home side were in control. Billy Greulich-Smith scored a hat trick, with new signing Danny Craggs, sub Nathan Steele and Ben Trotter scoring the others in the second half.

Shildon are at home again on Tuesday night in a game that has been reversed from Ryhope.

James Fairley scored twice late in the game at Penrith to give Bishop Auckland the points in a 3-2 win.

Bishops trailed to an early goal, but Aiden Hart set up Chris Winn for the equaliser just on half time.

Penrith went 2-1 up again in the second half, but Fairley volleyed the equaliser from the edge of the box, and then he scored the winner with a shot on the turn.

Bishop Auckland manager Ian Chandler said; “It was a fantastic win with two excellent strikes from James in the last five minutes. But man of the match was young Liam Potter, the best I've ever seen him play. There were some lessons to be learned but delighted with three points.”

Newton Aycliffe lost 3-0 at home to Whickham, who have spent heavily during the summer, with one of their signings, Carl Finnigan, scoring two of the goals.

Newton Aycliffe manager Colin Stromsoy said; “The best team won. Carl Finnigan dominated the game. Exceptionally simple football done exceptionally well. It was always going to be a very tough game for us, but we'll ensure we put in a much better account of ourselves this week and how we want to play.”

West Auckland drew 2-2 at home with Ryhope CW. Adam Burnicle put them into the lead, but Ryhope hit back to take the lead through James Ellis and former West player Micky Rae.

However, Nathan Fisher, on his return from injury, scored a cracking goal from the edge of the box for the equaliser.

West Auckland manager Gary Forrest said; “I’m quite pleased, we played really well in spells but conceded to soft goals. We should have had a couple more.”

Northallerton, newly promoted from Division Two, were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Consett.

Northallerton manager Darren Trotter said: ““Our overriding emotion is one of frustration.

“We worked hard, were patient, disciplined and composed when we needed to be but got punished for one mistake. We scored a legitimate goal that was ruled out for offside when their defender has played it back.

“We missed some very good chances at the end of the game. However, we’re pleased with so many good things the lads have done which will give us confidence moving forward in the league. I just hope it's not as ruthless in future games.”

In the other first division matches, Stockton Town outclassed neighbours Billingham Town by 6-0 in their local derby. Graeme Armstrong scored four times in Hebburn’s 5-1 home win over Ashington.

Guisborough won 2-0 at Seaham Red Star, Sunderland RCA beat North Shields 2-1, and Whitley Bay drew 1-1 with Newcastle Benfield.

In the second division, Crook Town had a good 2-0 opening win at newcomers Sunderland West End, with Jake Petitjean and Arthur Connelly scoring the goals.

Crook manager Jamie Tunstall said; “We’re absolutely delighted to get three points. Sunderland West End are a good team, but I thought the boys were excellent. The application of the lads was first class and I couldn't have asked for more. “ Chester-le-Street also won at another new club, Carlisle City, by 3-0 with goals by Andrew Clarkson (2) and Anthony Lee, scoring all their goals in the second half.

Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake said; “An opening day win by three clear goals and a clean sheet -- I can't complain. It wasn't the best performance, but it was effective and pleasingly there is a lot of improvement to be made. Good debuts from Nathan Armin in the nets plus Niall Fingleton and Luke Collins in midfield.”

Willington won the groundshare derby at Durham City by 2-0 with goals by Callum Forster and Liam Lawlor, a win for manager Ibby Hassan in his first game in charge.

Hassan said; “We dominated for long periods with opportunities to have scored more. Their goalmouth led a charmed life but, in the end, a solid performance with what I would say was the right result.”

Durham manager Billy Harper said; “We've played some great football in preseason and I thought we'd have put a real strong performance on, but we were awful everywhere on the field, the decision-making at times was unbelievable. Got to give Willington credit, they played to their strengths and deserved all three points in the fixture.”

Micky Vasey started his second spell in charge of Tow Law after succeeding Steve Murray with a 1-0 home defeat by Birtley, the goal from Olly Leedham on the half hour mark.

“We haven’t quite clicked yet, that won’t happen for another two or three weeks because we’ve brought quite a few players in,” he said.

Esh Winning lost 2-1 at Washington, who were playing their first game on their new ground at Ferens Park. Esh had two players sin binned during the game, and Washington scored a last-minute winner after Joe Gill thought he’d earned a point.

Esh Winning manager Tony Boakes said; “We’re really disappointed. After a poor first half, we got on top of the game but then had two players sin binned. We got the equaliser, then conceded in 91st minute after a corner was given when a Washington player stumbled and kicked ball out for what should have been a goal kick.”

Brandon, who finished second bottom last season, lost 5-1 at home to Jarrow, James Connor scoring for them when they were already 4-0 down.

Brandon manager Rob Bowron said: “We’re clearly disappointed at the result, but more so the way we conceded our goals. It was one of those days... whatever could go wrong went wrong since the morning! But it's a long season and we will improve as the season goes on.”

In the other second division games, Billingham Synthonia came from behind to win 2-1 at Easington, while Bedlington had a good 2-1 away win at Heaton Stannington.

Redcar drew 1-1 with West Allotment, while Ryton and Crawcrook beat newcomers Newcastle University 3-1.