Tom Coulthard’s late goal salvaged a point against Guisborough Town on the opening day.
Mikey Roberts second goal in as many games gave Stockton Town a lead at half-time.
However, goals from substitute Louis Goldsack and former Anchors Sonni Coleman put the Priorymen ahead.
Stockton avoided defeat when Coulthard netted with 13 minutes remaining.
Both sides headed into the game on the high of an FA Cup triumph. Stockton had eased past Shildon 3-0 and Guisborough had overcome Newton Aycliffe 1-0 at the KGV.
Stockton started brightly with Dan McWilliams at the heart of their early chances. First he surged down the left and sent in a ball that just missed the head of Roberts.
He then had a go himself when he found space and fired over an effort from outside the box.
Another chance went when Nathan Mulligan was found on the right and he rifled an effort at goal that was well saved by Guisborough’s young goalkeeper, Aaron Steavens.
Guisborough Town had a penalty appeal turned down when Coleman went down in the area.
On the half hour mark, Stockton had the lead. A poor clearance from Steavens fell to Jonathan Franks who rampaged forward before threading the ball through to Roberts who made no mistake with his finish.
Just before half-time, the Anchors had the chance to double their lead as Mulligan curled an effort wide after they had broke forward well from Guisborough Town freekick.
Dan McWilliams on a trade mark run
Early in the second half, James Risbrough went close for Stockton. A long ball saw him in behind the defence but he could only find the stanchion with his well-hit effort.
Shortly after, Guisborough had themselves a decent opportunity when Goldsack headed just over from a corner from the left.
Six minutes later, the same opportunity arose for Goldsack and he took it to equalise for the Priorymen. This time, he headed in Callum Martin’s corner from the right.
Guisborough took a lead ten minutes after when Coleman found himself in behind and he was clinical with deft lob over the on-rushing Callum Roberts.
Stockton looked to provide a response and went close when substitute Jamie Owens worked his into the box before he fired the ball over.
In the 77th minute, the Anchors had their leveler when a freekick from Max Craggs bamboozled Steavens by striking the ball and falling straight to Coulthard who pulled out a fine finish to strike home.
That proved to be the game’s last significant moment as neither side was able to conjure up a winner.
Stockton Town’s focus now turns to Wednesday home game against Ashington.