Whitby secured a comeback victory against Leek as the new football season commenced, winning 2-1 on Saturday. The match, held at Leek’s home ground, saw the hosts take an early lead before Whitby responded with two second-half goals.

Leek opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Alex Panter capitalized on an opportunity following Jack Griffiths' attempt to round the goalkeeper. Griffiths received a long ball over the top and tried to beat the keeper but was denied, allowing Panter to slot the ball into an empty net, giving Leek a promising start to the game.

The Seasiders came close to doubling their advantage just before halftime, when a miscommunication on a back-pass put Whitby goalkeeper Dino Visser under pressure; the ball struck the post but did not cross the line.

Whitby’s equalizer arrived shortly after the break, with captain Stuart Rose tapping in from close range after a dangerous cross into the box, leveling the score in the 47th minute. The decisive moment came in the final quarter of the match when Callum Hickman found space down the left flank and delivered a precise finish past the Leek goalkeeper to give Whitby the lead.

Leek nearly found an equalizer late in the game when a cross from Alex Hurst set up Buckley for a shot at the back post, but his attempt went wide.

With the victory, Whitby clinched three points on the opening day. Leek will travel to face FC United on Tuesday, while Whitby prepares to host Guiseley in their next fixture.