Conference Premier roundup: Bristol Rovers held by Grimsby Town

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 09 August 2014

Sports Mole rounds up the opening day of the Conference Premier campaign as last season's relegated sides Bristol Rovers and Torquay United both fail to win.

Bristol Rovers have been held to a 0-0 draw by Grimsby Town in their first fixture since relegation from the Football League last season.

Darrell Clarke's side have been tipped for an immediate return to League Two, but they could not force a winner in front of their home fans.

Torquay United's return to the Conference Premier started on a losing note as two goals from Marcus Maddison saw them fall to a 3-1 defeat to Gateshead.

Barnet are the early league leaders after two goals from former Queens Park Rangers midfielder Lee Cook helped them to a 5-0 triumph over 10-man Chester FC.

Newly-promoted Eastleigh made the perfect start after promotion from the Conference South by comfortably beating Nuneaton Town 3-0 at Liberty Way.

Last season's Conference North champions AFC Telford United recorded a 1-1 draw at Welling United, despite being reduced to nine men in the second half.

However, it was a disappointing start for last season's playoff victors as both Dover Athletic and Altrincham succumbed to opening-day defeats.

A goal from Scott McManus was enough to give Halifax Town a 1-0 win over Dover, while Altrincham were comfortably beaten 3-1 away at Aldershot Town.

A brace from Wes York earned Wrexham a 2-1 win away at Dartford, while Macclesfield Town edged out Braintree Town at Moss Rose.

Forest Green Rovers recorded a 1-0 success away at Southport after former West Bromwich Albion forward Lee Hughes scored the decisive goal two minutes into the second half.

Woking came back from behind to register a 2-1 win away at Alfreton Town, but Lincoln City and Kidderminster Harriers were forced to settle for a goalless draw.

Results in full: Aldershot 3-1 Altrincham, Alfreton Town 1-2 Woking, Bristol Rovers 0-0 Grimsby Town, Chester FC 0-5 Barnet, Dartford 1-2 Wrexham, Dover Athletic 0-1 Halifax Town, Gateshead 3-1 Torquay United, Lincoln City 0-0 Kidderminster Harriers, Macclesfield Town 1-0 Braintree Town, Nuneaton Town 0-3 Eastleigh, Southport 0-1 Forest Green Rovers, Welling United 1-1 AFC Telford United