Helsby opened up their league campaign in fine style with a 4-2 victory at Vauxhall Motors Reserves.

On a glorious afternoon, Helsby started sluggishly and went behind after just 5 minutes, Vauxhall's taking full advantage of a gaping hole in the visitors' defence to fire in from the edge of the box. To their credit, Helsby steadied themselves and drew level after 10 minutes, John McDonald finding the bottom corner with a superb left foot finish from 18 yards. From this point on the game ebbed and flowed, Andy Stringer pulling off a fine stop to keep the hosts at bay. Down at the other end, McDonald was foiled by the Vauxhall's keeper as he broke clear, as was Matty Johnson who saw a thunderous drive tipped over. Just before the break Johnson set up McDonald who could not quite convert from a tight angle.

A half time rocket saw Helsby step up a gear after the interval, Vauxhall's struggling to cope with the visitors' pace and movement. Helsby went ahead on the hour, McDonald bravely knocking the ball in from Albie Wright's pinpoint cross. Wright hit the side netting with a left foot drive before Helsby earned a free kick 25 yards out at the angle of the box. Gary Lunt's sumptuous effort found the top corner, giving the home keeper no chance at all. With 15 minutes left Lunt effectively put the game to bed, roling the ball in after excellent approach play from Johnson and Gaz Gerrard. Helsby then took their foot off the gas and gave the hosts a glimmer of hope, a back header looping over Stringer to make the scoreline 2-4. Stringer then tipped a scorcher onto the bar, but Helsby collected their composure to secure the three points.