ESPFA Cheshire (Runcorn Linnets), ESPFA Lancashire (Skelmersdale United) and ESPFA West Midlands (Rushall Olympic Amber) all kicked off their seasons with maximum points in matchweek two.
Ryan McAlpine's bending run and little flick from a deep free kick gave the Linnets' the first half lead over ESPFA West Yorkshire (Ossett United) ten minutes before half time.
Alex Kenamuinjo was pulled down after the break which gave first team graduate and last years North division top goalscorer Adam Moseley the opportunity to extend his sides lead which he did sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Kenamuinjo then secured the three points for the Cheshire side with a diving header at the second attempt from a Moseley cross.
ESPFA Lancashire (Skelmersdale United) got off to a blistering start with four goals scored in the first 15 minutes in their trip to Greater Manchester. Set pieces look to be the Blues' strength this season with Matthew Disley and Ryan Hunt slotting the ball in from close range following two corners and Hunt again getting on the end of a Calvin Haddock cross either side of a James Carney tap in.
ESPFA Greater Manchester (Mossley AFC) soon regrouped and the away side have Joe Hart to thank for some fantastic saves to secure his clean sheet. Lewis Jenkinson then capped off a player of the match performance with a long range strike towards the end of the game.
There was late drama in Derbyshire with a Khai Smith double giving ESPFA Nottinghamshire (Carlton Town) their first points of the season. A determined run from Tiago Mata gave Smith the opportunity to put his side in the lead from two yards out after five minutes.
Early in the second half Hans Susakani thought he had pulled his side level but his goal bound shot was blocked by Harvir Singh Basra.
ESPFA Derbyshire (Mickleover FC Black) did eventually equalise not long after, neat footwork from Amin Mouflih gave him the space to curl the equaliser around Cagen Goddard but it was player of the week Smith who secured the win with the last kick of the game, reacting quickest from a free kick to tap home the winner.
ESPFA Cheshire (Witton Albion) were too strong for ESPFA West Yorkshire (Brighouse Town) at Wincham Park. Goals from Zach Billinge, Jake Tyson, Zach Williams, Jack Sandbach and Jenson Bird gave the home side a commanding eight goal lead at the break but credit to the visitors who came out in the second half determined and were rewarded with a goal for their efforts with the last kick of the game following further second half goals from Emanuel Hickson, Ioannis Koutouzos and Harry Caulkin.
In the Midlands division, all three games were once again close affairs.
After a goalless first half, Jack Scotford's free kick sailed past everyone to give ESPFA Derbyshire (Mickleover FC Red) the first half lead before a Louis Stratton surging run won the home side a penalty to which James Adey tucked away to give ESPFA Staffordshire (Stafford Town) their first points of the season.
In the final game of the week, last seasons champions ESPFA West Midlands (Rushall Olympic Amber) secured maximum points in a close game with ESPFA Derbyshire (Belper Town) with only a superb first half free kick from Jamie Bryan separating the sides.
League Tables after Matchweek Two
Post Match Interviews
Team of the Week - #MatchweekTwo
Well done to all the students who were nominated by their coaches for this week’s edition of #TeamOfTheWeek and also a special mention to #ESPFANottinghamshire student Khai Smith who was chosen as the #PlayerOfTheWeek for his winning brace for ESPFA Nottinghamshire (Carlton Town)
The Highlights Show
You can catch all the North and Midlands Division goals and match highlights in #MatchweekTwo edition of The Highlights Show.
Team Lineups (scroll left)
