FOOTBALL in North East Wales and along the Coast returned on Saturday as clubs across the region made a long-awaited return to the pitch.

Supporters piled into grounds too with recent lifting of restrictions meaning that up to 100 of them could attend matches.

In the North East Wales Football League Premier, Mynydd Isa Spartans and New Brighton Villa played out a 4-4 thriller in what was the tie of the day in tier four.

Kallum Pierce put the home side ahead after a minute before James Beck equalised for Villa six minutes later.

Pierce then struck again before Adrian Davies made it 3-1 to the Spartans at half time.

Aaron Davies and Beck again pulled it back to 3-3 before Jared Jones’ penalty on 77mins put the visitors ahead.

Tom Mitchell’s injury-time goal then rescued a point for Spartans in a brilliant opening day contest.

Other results from tier four: Queen’s Park 2-2 Chirk Town, Greenfield 2-1 Cefn Mawr Rangers, Halkyn and Flint Mountain 3-2 Castell Alun Colts, Llangollen Town 1-1 Overton Recreation.

In the North East Wales Football League Championship, Railway Rovers crushed Bellevue 17-0. Jordan Valentine scored 12 of his side’s goals with Samuel Giles adding a hat-trick and Liam Davies and Jake Morris adding one apiece.

Rest of the league’s results were as follows: AFC Bagillt 3-7 Borras Park Albion, FC United of Wrexham 0-7 Connah’s Quay Town, Johnstown YFC 3-6 Sychdyn, Penyffordd Lions 5-1 Caerwys, Ruabon Rovers 2-1 Brymbo Lodge.

Denbigh-based Caer Clwyd played out a 3-3 draw with Llandudno Amateurs in their first-ever competitive match in North Wales Coast East Division One.

Todd Davies and Kyle Johnson put the visitors 2-0 up after 30mins before Francis Roberts pulled one back on 36mins.

Clwyd were level on 54mins when Joel Rowlands scored but Johnson’s penalty six minutes from time looked to have won the game for Amateurs - but their was still time for one last twist as Neil Davies’ stoppage time goal rescued a dramatic point for Clwyd who were down to ten men for the last then minutes.

Other results from North Wales Coast East Division One: NFA FC 6-3 Penrhyn Bay Dragons, Henllan 2-5 Rhyl All Stars, Rhos United 1-2 Llysfaen, CPD Y Glannau 1-3 Llanelwy Athletic, Betws-Y-Coed 0-11 Abergele, Rhyl Dragons 1-4 Cerrigydrudion.