Cleator Moor Celtic started life in the West Lancashire League with a 3-1 home win over Poulton.
Brian Dawson’s side had been relegated from the NW Counties League and were looking to make a positive start.
They won it after leading 1-0 at half-time; being pegged back early in the second half and then bouncing back to win it.
Dawson said: “I feel that on the balance of play we were worthy winners. We came out of the blocks quickly and in truth could have been out of sight within 20 minutes if we had been more ruthless.
“Poulton then started to cause us some problems and we had to change a few things to combat that but I still felt we were comfortable.
“Going in at half-time at 1-0 we spoke about the importance of getting the next goal but unfortunately another individual mistake cost us but the reaction from that set-back was very good so that we got our noses back in front very quickly.
“But I thought until we got our third you could feel the nervous tension ion the ground.
“It was important we got off to a good start today so we-re delighted to get three points but the performance was also very pleasing. The desire, the shape and intensity was much better than in previous games.
“We now have to turn our attention to Slyne on Tuesday night. We need the same application from the boys in what I’m sure will be another tough game.”
Tommy Whitehead had given Celtic the lead after only 11 minutes with Poulton levelling through Liam Noble two minutes into the second half.
Ryley Short restored Celtic’s lead on 56 minutes but they weren’t certain of victory until Whitehead’s second seven minutes from the end.
