THERE were plenty of goals scored on Saturday when mid Cheshire teams resumed their preparations for a new season that for some starts next weekend.

Scott McGowan scored a hat-trick for 1874 Northwich as they put five goals past Middlewich Town in their final friendly.

He stooped low to head in Joe Woolley’s cross before full-back Matty Russell doubled the home side’s lead at St Luke’s Barton Stadium after pinching the ball from the Witches’ goalkeeper.

At the other end, new recruit Josh Samberg – who completed a transfer from Burscough earlier this week – was beaten by a fine finish as the Cheshire League outfit halved their arrears.

McGowan converted a penalty before completing a personal treble after the interval and substitute Kazim Waite-Jackson made it 5-1 with a trademark finish.

Northwich Victoria picked up where they had left off in midweek, when they edged out landlords Witton Albion, as Joel Brownhill again scored a decisive goal.

The in-form front man secured a 3-2 win at Prestatyn Town, where Billy Whittle and Kieron Kenny both scored equalisers for Steve Wilkes’ men after Jack Hoult and Alex Jones had twice put the hosts – who play in the Welsh second tier – in front.

Dave Short’s treble was a highlight for Winsford United as they put nine goals past Penycae – increasing to 19 their tally in the past two matches.

Jason Fowles and Michael Koral were also among Blues’ scorers as they followed a 10-0 drubbing of Heyside in midweek with another canter against the Welsh National League side.

Meanwhile Barnton’s record this summer remains unblemished after Chris Smith’s double did for Wem Town.

He turned in Steve Warburton’s cross to put the Villagers in front before steering Sam Houghton’s cross past the home team’s goalkeeper with a header.

Substitute Dom Bazley’s attempt had struck an upright before then.