Its back! Football has returned and the Chester & Wirral Footba League would like to thank everyone for their efforts in getting things back up and running. The efforts put in by the clubs have been truly amazing and a debt of gratitude is owed to all those involved.

This year sees the CWFL running at its largest in its 126-year history. We will be offering a platform to over 100 teams in 13 divisions of Open Age, Vets and Flexi football. Given the current climate this is a huge achievement and one that we are rightfully proud of.

Last weekend it was the turn of the Open Age teams to take centre stage and get the season kicked off.

In the CWFL Queensferry Sports Premier Division, Groves Athletic got off to a winning start with a fine 5-3 win over Upton JFC, thanks to goals from Steve Finlay (2), Tom Anderson, Ryan Maxwell and Jack Rigby.

Upton’s replies came courtesy of Ben Gregory, Danny Evans and Jack Grimes. All other games in the Premier Division ended in a draw. Ellesmere Port and Higher Bebington Kelma ended 1-1 with the respective goals coming from Lloyd Ithell and Kenny Mahon.

Blacon Youth FC Res and St Saviours also ended 1-1 Sam Davies for Blacon and Mason Flavell the Sav’s marksman. Shaftesbury Youth and Unitor AFC ended 3-3.

Unitor were making their Premier Division debut and put in a fine performance with goals from Paul Wallace, Liam Casey and Adam Smith. Shafts goals came via Jamie Rutter, Anthony Povall and Lee Griffiths.

In CWFL Olympic Trophies Championship A Upton JFC Youth were the day's top scorers with an 8-0 victory over Helsby FC Res. Jack Hill lead the scoring with four, followed by Mac Johnson (3) and Sam Ismay. Shaftesbury Youth FC Res also got a win, beating Hoole Rovers 5-2 thanks to strikes from Joel Brown (2), Anthony Phillips (2) and Connor Sandham.

Cestrian Alex and AFC Park North drew 3-3. Adam Crimes (2) and Elliott Davies with the goals for Cestrian and Matty Higgins, Daryl Hellon and Steve McCann scoring for AFC Park.

Chester Nomads III and Christleton was yet another game that ended 3-3. Callum Parker, Joe Thompson and Trey Lattie were the Nomad scorers with replies coming from Joe Bowdler, Michael Ozoemelam and an own goal. This was a great game of football that saw Christleton take the lead three times and their keeper, Kyle Moulting needed to pull off a penalty save to ensure the point.

In the CWFL Olympic Trophies Championship B five of our seven new open age teams made their league debut. With the appeal of the CWFL now stretching to new areas, Winsford Saxons got off to a flying start with a 5-0 way win at Neston Nomads FC Development.

Goals from Jaymie Roberts, Sam Fallows, Dylan Thomas, Barry Jones and Stephen Snape ensured the points for them in a very entertaining game of football.

Fellow newcomers Waggon and Horses FC had to come from behind to defeat Rossmore Rangers 3-2. In an end-to-end game Rossmore took a half-time 2-1 lead thanks to a Lewis Cooney brace but strikes from Chris Varney (2) and super sub Ayoub Jarrai, Waggon came away with all three points.

Another new side, Poulton Vics also enjoyed a debut winning performance by beating Orange Athletic 1-0 thanks to a Liam Atherton goal. In the days final game FC Duddon beat Chester Nomads IV 2-1. Joe Clark and Martin Fitzsimmons were the Duddon scorers.