PENISTONE Church got the ‘perfect’ start to their new NCEL Premier Division season with a 1-0 win at home to Handsworth in their opening game.

Leon Hurles-Brook got the only goal before half-time in a front of a crowd of 333.

Manager John Whitehead said: “We started the game excellently, we were on the front foot from the first whistle and created a few opportunities to maybe not open the scoring but definitely have a shot or two at goal.

“Then I wouldn’t say that we took our foot off the gas but Handsworth got their game together and made it a little bit more difficult for us.

“Our goal came from a nice little ball into space from skipper Danny Howes, Leon Hurles-Brook has made a great run through and managed to finish it clinically past their ‘keeper.

“We said at half-time that they would change how they approached the game in the second half, we would need to manage that. If we had to we would defend first, we would have to get bodies in and be hard to break down.

“Danny Howes has put in an absolute captain’s performance, he’s run his blood to water and deservedly got the man of the match and I thought the whole team was excellent throughout.

“It was important to get three points on the board early and have a good performance. It was the perfect way to start our league campaign.”

Wombwell Town lost their first game 1-0 at Thackley on Saturday.

After Jordan Kershaw missed an early penalty, the hosts took the lead just after half-time.

All three Barnsley clubs in Division One lost on the opening day.

Dearne and District lost 3-1 at home to Selby Town in the league. Selby took the lead just after half-time then Jamie Austin levelled but Dearne conceded twice more.

Worsbrough Bridge began their season with a 3-0 loss at Harrogate Railway Athletic.

The hosts benefitted from an own goal and penalty just before half-time then added another late on.

Athersley Rec lost 1-0 at home to Club Thorne Colliery.