LEIGH Athletic opened the Manchester Premier League season with a thumping 5-2 victory over fancied East Manchester at Madely Park.

Clark Dobson opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a well struck effort and it wasn't long before more goals followed from Rick Wilson, Danny Wilson and two from man of the match Steve Bevin.

With the game won, Leigh eased off and paid the price by conceding two goals.

The fourth team lost 4-3 to a Kevin Smith XI in a friendly.