LOSTOCK Gralam crashed out of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup – a competition that saw them reach the semi-finals in the 2021/2022 campaign.

A resilient Newton side from Wirral inflicted a 1-0 defeat to put the Grey Lambs to the slaughter – a Newton side that included former Northwich Victoria midfield maestro Tom Field and a professional boxer in Liam 'Beefy' Smith.

The visitors found the lead just before the half-time interval when they connected to a free header from a well-worked move.

Custodian Martin Blain pulled off several top-drawer saves to keep the deficit low but the Grey Lambs just couldn’t take their chances, with Max Giani, Jonny Jones, Myles Wady and Liam Collins all going close.

Speaking after the game, co-manager Dean Jones said: “As disappointing as the result was, it’s important we don’t let that take over and refocus quickly.

"We just need to regain some confidence in that final third.

"Next up we’ve got back-to-back league games versus Daten and Winstanley. If the team retain the focus then on the table is six points and that would assist in getting us up to second in the league."