TEN-MAN Kirkbyoorsiders lost 1-0 at highly-rated Jarrow on a wet opening day of the Wearside League.

Players slid around all over the place in a game played in heavy rain, with thunder and lightning thrown in, and this partly contributed to Johnny Brown’s 32nd-minute sending-off.

The forward was shown two yellow cards for two sliding tackles – he won the ball with the first but with studs showing making it dangerous play.

Kirkby had started with a 3-5-2 formation as new signing Leigh Watson made up the back line with man-of-the-match Sean Walker and Lee Bannister. Martin Cooper and Liam Cooper operated as wide midfielders, dropping back to help out.

Goalkeeper Adam Magson made a good early save from Paul Terrell, while at the other end Drew McCoubrey provided a shooting opportunity for Brown, which went wide. Brown then set up Ryan Rivis but the first-time shot was saved by Mark English.

Jarrow took the lead two minutes after Brown’s departure, Peter Kane heading home a free-kick.

Brian Johnson fired wide from 20 yards just before half-time as Jarrow began to make the extra man count.

Kirkby deployed a more standard back four in the second half and the change in formation almost brought dividends as Daman Cox and McCoubrey both had efforts just off target, while a McCoubrey cross produced a goalmouth scramble which was eventually cleared.

Ryan Cooper and Martin Cooper fired just off target but, despite plugging away in conditions not conducive to their passing brand of football, Kirkby’s efforts produced no reward.

Kirkbymoorside: A Magson, Walker (Ehima 85), Bannister, Watson, M Cooper, L Cooper (Cham 76), R Cooper, Brown, D Cox, R Rivis, McCoubrey. Subs not used: B Magson, A Rivis, A Strickland.

The Moorsiders are at home tonight (Wednesday) to Stockton Town (6.30pm). On Saturday, the Moorsiders go to Annfield Plain (2.30pm).

The August Golden Goal Draw winners were: £100 Chris Nichols, Kirkbymoorside; £50 Will Grout, Boroughbridge; £25 Bob Gardner, Kirkbymoorside.

* Whitby Town, of the Evo-Stik League premier division, enjoyed a fine friendly win over Eastwood Town, of the Conference North, on Saturday.

They took a two-goal lead through David McTiernan and Kevin Burgess, and, although Eastwood pulled one back for the visitors, Whitby held out.

The Blues’ season starts on Saturday with an away game at Chasetown (3pm).