Relegated Woking got to a a great start in their opening game of the new season at Park View Road against Welling United.
The Cards fell behind to an early 3rd minute Dean Cracknell penalty but eventually clawed themselves back into the game in the second half to equalise through Aswad Thomas on 76 minutes and then a Guiseppe Sole spot-kick won it for Graham Baker`s side 10 minutes from time.
Lewes and Weymouth, who followed Woking out of the Blue Square Premier, shared a 1-1 draw at the Dripping Pan where both goals came within a minute just past the hour-mark – Ben Reiffer giving the Terras the lead and Dan Beck levelling for the Rooks.
Maidenhead United`s Jamal Fyfield was sent-off near the end of the game at York Road against Ryman League champions Dover Athletic, but the Magpies held out for a goalless draw – the same result that Bishop`s Stortford and Newport County achieved at Woodside Park.
There were plenty of goals not too far away at Melbourne Park between Chelmsford City and Bath City.
The crowd of 1,216 looked to be witnessing a comfortable home victory as Chelmsford raced into a 4-0 lead with goals from Danny Hockton on 10 minutes, Jason Hallett after 14 and 19 and Anthony Cook on 24.
But Bath reduced the arrears by two before the break with Richard Evans on 34 and a Darren Edwards spot-kick on 44.
Mike Perrott pulled a third back for the visitors 9 minutes from time, but Chelmsford just held on for the spoils.
Hampton & Richmond Borough, tipped by many for promotion, started badly by losing 1-0 at the Beveree to Basingstoke Town, whose David Pratt (pictured) scored the only goal with 18 minutes remaining.
Newly-promoted Staines Town left it even later to earn the points at Woodspring Park against Weston-super-Mare – Scott Taylor scored the only goal in stoppage time.
Braintree Town and Bromley were two other sides who started with away victories.
The Iron impressively won 2-1 at the Sparshatts Stadium against Eastleigh, who were behind to a George Purcell effort after 8 minutes.
Andy Forbes equalised around the hour, but Sean Marks gave Robbie Garvey a great start to his term as manager with Braintree`s winner 2 minutes from time.
Robbie Elvins gave Worcester City an early 4th minute lead at St George`s Lane against Bromley.
However, Luke l`Anson levelled after 20 minutes and Warren McBean, who has been in prolific form in pre-season, grabbed a 93rd minute winner for the visitors.
David Bryant gave unfancied Thurrock a 26th minute lead at Westleigh Park against Havant & Waterlooville, who eventually equalised to earn a share of the spoils through Wes Fogden 7 minutes into the second half.
Dorchester Town gained a good opening day morale-booster, beating St Albans City 3-0 at the Jewson Avenue Stadium.
Ivan Forbes bagged a brace for the Magpies after 36 and 73 minutes, with Dave Martin sandwiching a third in between on 49.
