Astley & Tyldesley suffered a narrow defeat in their opening Northern League Division 1 match of the season, on Sunday.

Team Green travelled to last year's league runners-up, Stockport, and put in a determined showing, to go agonizingly close,

losing 88-86.

Stockport got off to a maximum 7-2 heat win in heat 1, after Kyle Holland, on his A&T debut, was excluded for a false start.

The home side never surrendered that lead, but A&T snapped away for all the eighteen races. Damian Zareba was in brilliant form

for A&T, unbeaten by an opponent in his six races, with solid support from Reece Pollitt, Max Evans and Kyle Holland.

Northern League Division 1 match result

Stockport 88 Astley & Tyldesley 86

A&T scorers: Damian Zareba 23 (plus 1 bonus), Reece Pollitt 16, Max Evans 13 (1), Kyle Holland 12, Ciaran Collins 9 (1),

Paul Graham 6 (1), Mick Knowles 5, Mark Grantham 2.

Stockport fielded an ineligible rider for the Division 2 match, so conceded 20 penalty points. Remarkably, the home team overcame

this disadvantage to run out 87-80 winners. Emily Burgess top scored for A&T in this match.

Northern League Division 2 match result

Stockport 87 Astley & Tyldesley 80

A&T scorers: Emily Burgess 13, Mark Grantham 10 (2), Max Evans 10 (1), Matt Snell 10, Mick Knowles 9, John White 5 (1), Ben Forshaw 3.

A&T began their defence of the Division 3 league title, with an emphatic 100-10 win. Emily Burgess top scored in the u-13 category,

losing just once to team mate John White. Duncan Whalley, on his A&T debut, raced unbeaten in the u-10 category.

Northern League Division 3 match result

Stockport 10 Astley & Tyldesley 100

A&T scorers: Duncan Whalley 16, Josh Parkinson 15, Emily Burgess 15, John White 13, Aiden Green 12, Frank White 11, Charlie Burgess 8,

Sabrina Evans 6, Jack Murray 4.

Astley & Tyldesley stage their opening home Northern League fixtures of the season next Sunday (2nd April). Glasgow are the visitors

for a 12 noon start, followed by a match against the new Fife team at 2 pm. Racing takes place at Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Club,

Meanley Road, Gin Pit, Tyldesley, M29 7DW.

For more information on cycle speedway, ladies rides, road rides and off road rides, visit the Astley & Tyldesley Cycling Club's website

at www.astleycyclespeedway.org.uk