CROOKLANDS lost their West Lancs League Premier Division opener 3-1 against a strong Fulwood Amateurs side managed by one-time Barrow AFC boss Tony Hesketh.

Cassies got off to the worst possible start after conceding in the second minute to Mitch Newsham, who ran onto a through ball and tucked away neatly.

Fulwood doubled their lead on 26 minutes, that man Newsham again with another smart finish.

All credit to the Longlands outfit though as they stuck to their task and halved the deficit on 56 minutes through one of the area’s sharpest marksmen – Dave Mansergh.

Dave Goude broke down the left and played a great ball to Mansergh who unleashed a 25-yard strike which flew into the net. The game was always in the balance until the final five minutes when Fulwood grabbed a third through defender Smith.

Crooklands will take plenty of positives from the game. They hit the bar in the first half which could have swung the game in a different direction and the performances of four under 18 players, Clark, Phizacklea, Foster and Caldwell, can only give the management team confidence in their future prospects.

In the other Premier Division fixture Vickerstown welcomed last year’s champions Blackpool Wren Rovers to Park Vale. The home side had seven players missing for a variety of reasons but still put in a fine performance and were unlucky not to take a point in a 2-1 defeat. Wren Rovers went ahead in the first half through Pett.

In the second half Town equalised with a stunning 25-yard volley from Sean Paterson.

The home side had a great shout for a penalty turned down and they also hit the post through Rob Bruce but Pett scored the winner after some indecisive play by the home side.

Vickerstown manager Dave Round was pleased with the team performance especially the two debutants, Andy Ireland and Jack Cooksey.

In the West Lancs Division One Dalton suffered a 4-1 defeat at Wyre Villa. It was all going well after Craig Rutherford and Gareth Jones set up Josh Jones, and the debutant made no mistake to fire Dalton into the lead.

An injury to Rutherford on 20 minutes forced a reshuffled and in the following 10 minutes Villa scored three goals to take a hold of the game. A fourth goal on the stroke of full-time gave the game a disappointing feel, but with five players making debuts and Dalton enjoying large spells of possession, there’s lots to build on.

Askam were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline at Lytham and Hawcoat Park’s home game against Burscough Richmond was postponed after Burscough reported that they were stuck on the motorway in heavy traffic.

In a newly-structured West Lancs Division Two Swarthmoor travelled to Croston and came back up the M6 empty-handed after losing 1-0.

Graham Wilcox came closest for Swarthmoor when he hit the bar and they had keeper Greg Taylor to thank after he saved a penalty.

Millom travelled to Coppull United Reserves with a heavily depleted team but the young lads came away with a well-earned point. Danny Pattinson and Chris Wood both scored in a 2-2 draw.

Furness Rovers had a trip to the seaside to take on Blackpool Wren Rovers Reserves and they had an entertaining afternoon with Liam Shields, Andrew Oxley and Tom Clynch all scoring in a 3-3 draw. Furness Cavaliers were beaten 2-1 by Fulwood Amateurs Reserves, Kyle Delves opening his account for the season. Walney Island were beaten 2-1 away at a strong Burscough Richmond Reserves. Matt Lockley put Walney ahead after 10 minutes but two late goals were the islanders’ undoing.

Holker Old Boys travelled to Sandbach in the North West Counties First Division and got their season off to a fantastic start with a 2-1 win. Goals from Sam Joel and a penalty from ex-FC United striker Dave Swarbrick gave the Stags all three points.

A full fixture list takes place midweek and with some teams playing as many as eight games in August, which accounts for more than a quarter of the season’s league fixtures, there’s no time for teams to be resting on their laurels.

l Can I remind everyone to get their match information to me either by text 07446112716 or e-mail s.brennan4@yahoo.com