WITTON Albion and Winsford United squared up in a memorial match on Tuesday night.

Blues played host to Witton at Barton Stadium in the inaugural Steve Wight Memorial Shield contest.

A wonderful free-kick strike into the top right corner by Tom Stanton for Blues shortly before the break was the only goal of the game.

 

Albion went into the match on the back of a 4-2 win at Barton on Saturday in their continuing preparation for the 2023-24 season in Northern Premier League West.

Having scored six goals in each of their previous two friendlies, that was 16 goals scored in three games before being kept goalless by Winsford.

New striker recruit Tom Pope netted twice at Barton, with Joe Duckworth and a trialist also chipping in.

They now go on to host Warrington Rylands at the U Lock It Stadium on Saturday and then Salford City on Tuesday.

Blues, who have dropped down to North West Counties League Division One South to avoid being laterally moved into the Midland League by the FA, held Widnes FC – another side from two levels above – 0-0 at Barton Stadium at the weekend.

This Saturday Winsford will play host to FC United of Manchester.

They have announced the signings of local talent Jamie Dawson, who can operate in a number of positions, centre back Tom Murray and fellow young gun Dan Evans, a forward.

Manager Lee Duckworth said: “Great to watch Jamie find his feet at this level, bags of potential and will be a big player this season!”

Blues have also confirmed they have retained the services of attacker Ben Chesters and left-back Ryan Hough.

“Ben is a great lad with a great attitude and bags of ability! Glad he’s stood by the club,” said Duckworth.

“Great to have Ryan on board again, continues to develop and get better each year, bags of potential!”

Josh Patterson has also returned to the club for the new campaign.