CHAMPIONS Burnley Belvedere began the defence of the First Division crown with a crushing 5-0 win over Barrowford Celtic at Holden Road.

Belvdere claimed the title in splendid style last term, finishing four points above their main rivals Rimington, and Callum Little led the charge against Celtic with a goal double.

Belvedere were always in charge and Connor Smith, Shane Holding and Kieran Carroll completed the rout.

Meantime, last season’s runners-up Rimington had to settle for a point at Mill Hill after the two sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Griffin Park.

The big winners, though, were Burnley United, who thrashed Prairie United 8-3.

Langho also found the goal touch at The Ryddings, overcoming Todmorden Borough 5-3.

Oswaldtwistle St Marys, also playing their first game of the campaign, scored five times without reply against Read United.

And Whinney Hill edged past Feniscowles and Pleasington 2-1.

There was certainly no shortage of goals in the Second Division either, with leaders Longshaw cruising to a 14-2 victory over a hapless Peel Park outfit at Fishmoor Drive.

Stacksteads St Josephs netted ten goals without reply against Huncoat United – and Rishton also kicked off their season in style with an 8-1 win at Hapton.

Waddington proved too strong for Water FC at Twitter Lane Field, racing to a 4-0 victory, and Colne United also made a winning start, 3-1 at Grindleton.

In the Reserve Division, Rimington thrashed Ribble Valley neighbours Langho 8-1, and Read United defeated Whinney Hill 3-0.