Stockton Town were defeated by Newton Aycliffe in a closely contested opening to pre-season.
Amar Purewal found the target early on for the Anchors, but a battling home side turned it around and held on for a win.
Purewal was named alongside fellow summer addition Jamie Bramwell in the starting squad, with Jake Petitjean named to the bench. Young u18 goalkeeper Tyler Smith was named as the starting goalkeeper.
Within five minutes, the Anchors were ahead when Josh Scott looped an effort over the goalkeeper, where his strike partner Amar Purewal was there to help it over the line.
Purewal then nearly got himself an assist a few moments later, when he won the ball high in the box, setting up Glen Butterworth who dragged his shot narrowly wide.
Tyler Smith was equal to a dangerous Aycliffe opportunity from very close range.
But Newton Aycliffe did find an equaliser after 31 minutes, after good work on the edge of the area led to space for the shot inside the box.
The hosts then found the lead 11 minutes later, when a long shot found its way past Smith.
Half-time: Newton Aycliffe 2-1 Stockton Town
Substitute Stephen Thompson nearly found an equaliser after the break, when a long ranged effort struck the crossbar.
Tyler Smith was on hand again to get up and tip a long shot over the crossbar.
Stephen Thompson came so close once again, when a weak clearance from the goalkeeper fell to his feet, and his outside-of-the-boot strike again bounced off the crossbar.
Five minutes from the end, Stockton were awarded a penalty when Jaedon Faulkner did excellently at the byline to chase down a long ball and somehow drive into the box, where he was then brought to ground.
But Stephen Thompson fired the spot kick high over the crossbar, and Newton Aycliffe secured victory.
Full-time: Newton Aycliffe 2-1 Stockton Town
Next, the Anchors are at home on Tuesday evening to welcome Guisborough Town.
