NICKY Law was absent from the Impact Arena as his Alfreton Town side were beaten 3-1 by visitors Woking in the Conference Premier.
Law was starting a six-match ban after being charged with improper conduct following an incident last season.
Assistant manager Russ O'Neill and newly-appointed coach Ronnie Glavin were in charge for the season opener and saw the Reds take a 13th minute lead through striker Lee Stevenson.
That was as good as it got, though, as Woking equalised through Dean Morgan in the 26th minute and two strikes from Scott Rendall completed the rout.
Heanor Town won their opening game of the season in the NCE Premier Division. They beat hosts Albion Sports 3-0, while Long Eaton United drew 2-2 in their Midlands Football League Premier Division match against AFC Wulfrunians.
There was a first win for new managers Simon van de Broucke and Allan Thorley as Graham St Prims beat Greenwood Meadows 1-0 in the East Midlands Counties League, thanks to a first-half strike from Mike Thorpe.
EMCL newcomers South Normanton Athletic beat Anstey Nomads 5-2 with Shane Newton scoring twice.
