By Jeff Bowron

NORTHERN LEAGUE
BIRTLEY Town got their maiden Northern League top- flight campaign off to a sensational start when goals from Alex Francis and Glen Hargrave (2) put them three-up inside 12 minutes at Redcar Athletic.
Joe Thompson’s spectacular strike gave Redcar hope, but the Hoops restored their threegoal advantage though Francis’ penalty on the hour.
Redcar then had goalkeeper Jack Norton sent off eight minutes later as they crashed 4-1.
Boro Rangers also made their First Division bow. After leading though Owen Clarkson’s 79th minute goal at Northa...