WITTON Albion were playing catch-up inside 30 seconds of their first pre-season friendly at Wincham Park on Tuesday when Jason Gilchrist put Southport in front.

The striker repeated the trick in the moments before half-time, punishing a mistake by debutant goalkeeper Greg Hall.

Gilchrist ought to have had a treble, only to waste two simple headed opportunities, before former Albion favourite Brad Bauress teed up substitute Jack Sampson to complete the scoring on 71 minutes.

1874 Northwich proved too strong for Cheshire League champions Knutsford at Egerton the same evening.

Taylor Kennerley raced clear to put them in front before Matthew Beadle steered in a volley with quarter of an hour left.

A third goal was the visitors’ best, scored by Callum Gardner with a powerful strike after creating a space from which to shoot.

Meanwhile 1874's scheduled visit to Barnton on Thursday has been cancelled with the pitch at Townfield not ready yet to be played on.

New recruit Joel Brownhill continued a promising start in Northwich Victoria’s colours when he netted twice during a 4-1 win at Ashton Town on Monday.

He had done the same against Lancaster City last weekend.

Further goals from Dominic Craig and Brian Matthews saw Steve Wilkes’ side ease to victory.

Middlewich Town found top gear during the second-half of a 6-1 success against Maine Road at Holmes Chapel on Tuesday.

Dan Lomas, twice, Harry Short, Jamie Petrie, Callum Priestley and Chris Lunn were on target.