NORTHWICH Victoria and Winsford United bowed out of the Cheshire Senior Cup against higher-league opposition on Tuesday night.
Vics were beaten 1-0 at home by Northern Premier League West side Nantwich Town.
Harry Bower’s first goal for The Dabbers, a 14th-minute strike from a corner, settled the tie at Apec Taxis Stadium in Runcorn.
Midland League Premier Division leaders Vics had five changes to their starting line-up, with Josh Langley – who made his debut for the Trickies in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Hanley Town – facing those teammates as he featured for his parent club for the first time since signing from Witton Albion last week.
Former Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle midfielder George Cooper hit the post in the eighth minute on his maiden appearance for Nantwich.
Meanwhile, Winsford fell 3-2 at home to another NPL West side, Runcorn Linnets.
Blues twice fell behind but strikes from Ollie McDonough (21mins) and Matty Birchall (65mins) kept pegging Linnets back.
But Adam Rooney stepped up to net the winner for Runcorn in the 68th minute, hitting home the rebound after Jacob Kirwan pulled off a fine save.
Elsewhere, Barnton climbed to third place in the North West Counties Football League First Division South thanks to Tuesday night’s 1-0 win at Alsager.
A 20th-minute James Sigworth penalty proved to be the difference between the sides.
Saturday's fixtures:
Northern Premier League West: Sporting Khalsa v Witton Albion.
Midland League Premier Division: Abbey Hulton United v Northwich Victoria, 1874 Northwich v Dudley Town, Winsford United v Brocton.
North West Counties Football League Division One South: Market Drayton Town v Barnton.
