Boss Neil Aspin had stated before the game his desire for an early clutch of points, adding that Town must make their newly-renamed home, the CNG Stadium, a fortress this year if they are to mount a serious challenge for promotion.

And in dismal, rainy conditions they embarked upon the long journey towards that goal on the right foot, so it was a shame only 308 turned out to watch them do this on the opening day of the season.

Fielding an almost unrecognisable side to last year, Town took some time to find their rhythm, but look to have found a gem in ex-Grimsby Town centre half Justin Whittle, and a rock between the sticks in former Bury 'keeper Jim Provett.

Nathan Peat remains a serious threat in midfield, and with the addition of Richard Marshall upfront, plus already proven weapons in Dunning and striker Danny Holland, the signs look more than promising.

Visitors Vauxhall Motors were thought to have played their last Blue Square North game back in April, having succumbed to relegation, but Boston United's explusion from the division handed them a welcome reprieve and they will play another season at this level.

They themselves brought a much-different side to last year's team, including a centre-forward who went by the surname Rooney.

Not Wayne, but his cousin Thomas, who Town will have been grateful didn't boast the skills of his relative.

As the rain continued to pour, neither side enjoyed much success in the first half, although striker Jamie Smith tested the resolve of Motors' goalkeeper James Coates with a rifled shot saved on the edge of the area.

Peat was causing problems down the left, and later Holland sought out Dunning who let off a shot but Town hadn't quite found the groove they needed for a goal.

Motors weren't offering much in reply, and it took a terrible joint-tackle between Vauxhall's Keith Smith and left back Lee Dames to spark the game into life.

The pair clumsily clattered Town's Matty Young just inside the box, who fell to the ground clutching his leg.

Referee Scott Ledger pointed to the spot, and Dunning stepped up to smash the penalty into the top right corner on 33 minutes.

The goal seemed to settle Town, and invite a spell of pressure from the visitors but they never made it count.

Holland enjoyed a couple of shots at goal, and a Peat corner set up Whittle for a free header but Town maintained their lead without too much trouble by the break.

As the second half kicked off, the improved weather seemed reflected in some improved play from Motors, who put Provett under some genuine pressure in the first 10 minutes.

Midfielder James Holden led the attack, firing in a great free kick which Provett had to get down to save, while centre forward Pat McFadden also tested out Whittle and his defensive colleagues with some decent shots.

Young still seemed to be struggling after the tackle in the first half, and Aspin opted to bring him off and introduce the pace of Richard Marshall.

The ex-Railwayman injected some life into the Town attack, linking up well with Dunning and Holland as Town gradually closed down their visitors.

After several fumbled attempts, Town got their second of the day with 15 minutes remaining.

A super cross from Holland reached left back Danny Lowe, and a precision flick-on to Lowe's former Railway colleague found Marshall in the box.

Under some immediate pressure from a scrambling Motors defence, and knowing he couldn't turn and shoot, Marshall neatly squared the ball to Dunning, who made no mistake from the edge of the box.

Holland attempted to make it 3-0 with a speculative header after a great centre from right back Aaron Hardy, although by this stage Town were cruising.

Motors sub' Rio Nelson outmuscled Whittle to fire off a late shot, but the result never looked in doubt.

After a workmanlike performance shot through with some genuine sparks of flair, Town are most definitely on their way.

They travel to Workington on Tuesday night for their next Blue Square North encounter.


Teams
Harrogate Town: Jim Provett, Aaron Hardy, Danny Lowe, Ryan Toulson, Justin Whittle, Nathan Peat, Matty Young, Darren Dunning, Jamie Smith (Nicky Gray 68), Danny Holland (Shaun Reay 79); Not used Liam Ormsby, Jonathan Hedge.

Vauxhall Motors: James Coates, Lee Owens, Lee Dames Ged Brannan, Alan Griffiths, Jordan Holmes, James Holden, Matty Burke, Pat McFadden (Rio Nelson 62), Thomas Rooney, Keith Smith (Chris Noone 60); Not used, Anthony Wright, Tom Hannigan, Aidan Dickinson.

Att: 308