They were rewarded for a full-blooded performance with four goals and an ecstatic send-off from their fans who have been starved of opening-day successes over the years.

Just as pleasing for manager Jason Newall was how well his new signings blended into this new-look team, instantly embracing the warrior spirit that saw Northallerton finish so strongly last season.

There were full debuts for two-goal wide man James Sayer, centre-forward Usman Ogidan and goalkeeper Preston Leech, a second debut for returning defender Jonny Haase and a cameo from the bench from Kenzie Harker. All looked quickly at home in a team determined to begin the campaign at maximum revs.

Winger Jack Stapley and Liam Darville tested the Crook defence as Northallerton signalled their intent from the start, and it took them only 16 minutes to take the lead. James Coatsworth was fouled on the edge of the opposition box and expertly drilled a low free-kick into the corner of the net beyond ‘keeper Ryan Johnson’s reach.

Crook struggled to break down a home defence superbly marshalled by player-coach Jamie Harwood and their woes increased when Northallerton doubled their advantage after 59 minutes. Ben Dale’s throw-in was picked up Stapley, who supplied a skilful lay-off for Darville.

The skipper leathered a powerful shot past Johnson – and now there was no stopping the hosts, who ran riot with two further goals.

Sayer grabbed his first on the hour following more good build-up play from Stapley and Darville. The former Marske United forward produced a pirouette to beat his defender and apply the killer touch.

Three minutes later, he doubled his haul following a mistake by ‘keeper Johnson, whose attempted clearance was charged down by Sayer in the box. The angle was tight, but he applied a clinical finish.

Crook pulled one back 10 minutes from the end when Corey Nicholson beat Leech with a powerful shot, but the points were never in danger. Northallerton finished the afternoon top of the very early league table after showing a ruthlessness in front of goal that had betrayed them in pre-season.

Northallerton Town: Leech, Dale, Haase, Darville, Harwood, Allen, Stapley (Harker 74), Walker (Nicholas 90+4), Ogidan (Banks 69), Coatsworth (Kitching 69), Sayer.

Sub not used: Cocks.

Crook Town: Johnson, Goldsborough, Saunders, Hume, Huddlestone, Fielding, Nicholson, Stephenson (Chaplin 60), Hardy (Taylor 48), Mariott (Laviolette 60), Raper.

Subs not used: Butler, Smith.

Man of the Match: James Sayer (sponsored by Waymaker Group).

Att: 242.