JON Macken is off the mark as Witton Albion manager on a day of extremely hot weather conditions.

He and his team of debutants secured a 1-1 draw at Newcastle Town on the opening day of the new Northern Premier League West season.

Ollie Hitchcox put Albion in front in the 36th minute and Jacob Lovatt levelled matters 12 minutes into the second half.

Newcastle captain James Askey was sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card.

Witton Albion: Martin Koral Tinning Jackson Hitchcox Haywood Fogerty Williams Duckworth Rokka Kennerley; SUBS: Silva Billington Paterson Adigun Darlington

Newcastle Town: Slinn Russo Ritchie Vale Askey Dennis Lloyd Laan Lovatt Laan Hunter; SUBS: Hurst Smith Parker Conlon Morley

Meanwhile, 1874 Northern got their league season underway, also in the NPL West.

They played host to Prescot Cables at sun-drenched Townfield and the game ended goalless.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on.

 

In the North West Counties Premier Division, Northwich Victoria secured their first win of the season as they ended the three-match winning run of AFC Liverpool 3-1 away.

Harvey Whyte netted twice and Ryan Jackson settled late nerves with Vics' third in the second minute of added time.

Whyte nodded in the opener from eight yards as he got on the end of Matt Dudley's cross.

The hosts were back on level terms 10 minutes before the break as the unmarked Jack Douglas fired home from 10 yards.

Whyte's second came from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Liam Martin had been upended in the box.

And then Jackson finished the job in added time to send the travelling Vics fans into raptures.

 

Meanwhile, Barnton bagged a 1-0 win at Cheadle Heath Nomads in North West Counties First Division South.

Harvey Sample's winning goal was scored after seven minutes.