RADCLIFFE Borough took some time to find their customary passing rhythm in the opening home Unibond League Division One game of the season before eventually managing a 1-1 draw with Stocksbridge Park Steels.

The Yorkshire visitors had the better in terms of possession in the first half and took the lead on 41 minutes when debutant defender Simon Turpin, who has joined Boro from Leigh RMI, handled in the penalty area.

Former Manchester City and Stoke striker Wayne Biggins converted from the spot.

Only a quality save from new keeper Danny Hurst prevented a second for Stocksbridge and as the game wore on Boro improved.

On 81 minutes Paul Mullin rounded the keeper only to see his effort blocked on the goalline.

Two minutes later he enjoyed better fortune and earned Boro a deserved draw. Centre back David Bean was named as man of the match.

RAMSBOTTOM United fell to a disappointing North West Counties League Division One first game defeat at Abbey Hey.

The Rams normally lethal strike force had a rare off-day and three golden opportunities went begging in the opening stages.

The Manchester side took full advantage of these lapses with goals on 43 and 55 minutes.

Mark Heys got a goal back for United on 86 minutes but it was too little too late for United.

Atherton Colls could count themselves highly unlucky to fall to a 1-0 home defeat by one of the pre-season title favourites Kidsgrove Athletic.

The Alder House outfit played some sparkling stuff, especially down the left side through the impressive Stuart Cole and man of the match Anthony Smith. Kidsgrove pinched the decisive goal on 85 minutes but even then Colls still had three chances to equalise with Mark Fitton twice going very close.

IT was disaster all the way for Atherton LR in the 1-0 defeat at Formby. Skipper Paul Meredith's flight was delayed on his return from holiday and he missed the game, contract defender Barry Cotterill badly sprained an ankle and is out for two weeks minimum and goalkeeper Andy Hills picked up a groin injury after only half an hour.

Striker Damien Stewart came off the bench to deputise with the gloves but could do little about Formby's winner on 55 minutes.

DAISY Hill will want to quickly forget the opening day 7-0 home defeat by Blackpool Mechanics.

"We were 5-0 down by half time and without doubt it is the worst 45 minutes I've ever known in football," admitted manager Brian Richardson.

"We are putting it down as a freak result. We defended terribly.

I am still absolutely convinced that overall we are heading in the right direction." Arla Foods man of the match was striker Ryan Cain.

Tomorrow night's games:-

Unibond Dision One - Ossett Town v Radcliffe Boro (ko 7.45pm), North West Counties Division One - Ramsbottom United v Atherton Colls Division Two - Daisy Hill v Tetley Walker, Atherton LR v Bootle