ELLESMERE Rangers opened their North West Counties League campaign a thrilling 4-3 win at Stafford Town.

The home side opened the scoring inside the opening 13 minutes with Joshua Wilson firing past goalkeeper Jack Boswell.

Boswell kept Mere in the game with a penalty save and the visitors made the most of the reprieve by levelling through David Howarth on 25 minutes.

A frantic end to the half saw Mere lead for the first time through Karl Bailey following a long throw from Carl Rogers on 40 minutes.

However Stafford hit back to level on half-time with Ryan Taylor heading home.

The match remained in the balance for much of the second-half before Mere regained their lead with Howarth netting from the spot with 10 minutes remaining.

Five minutes later Blake Robinson drilled home from the edge of the area as Mere doubled their lead.

Despite Stafford reducing the arrears at the death through Sheikh Barrow the Shropshire side held firm for an opening day win.

St Martins also opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to Abbey Hulton United.

Goals from Jamie Turner and Joshua Bristow gave the visitors a two goal interval lead.

However the new-look Saints hit back late on with Scott Ravenscroft reducing the arrears with 10 minutes remaining before debutant Robert Weir snatched an equaliser.