WITTON Albion’s fortunes from the penalty spot changed during a meeting with tenants Northwich Victoria when they became inaugural winners of the Vijay Anthwal Trophy.

Carl Macaulay's men prevailed 4-2 in a shoot-out following a 1-1 draw and captain Rob Hopley was presented with a shield inscribed with the name of the popular former director following his death last month.

Billy Smart put the home team in front inside five minutes before new recruit James Short fluffed a chance to double their lead when he blazed high from the spot.

Steve Wilkes’ side drew level when front man Rob Doran picked Liam Goulding’s pocket and fired past goalkeeper Chris Renshaw.

1874 Northwich were rewarded for an impressive first-half performance when they won 2-0 at Rhyl.

Scott McGowan converted a penalty after Taylor Kennerley had been fouled before Callum Gardner embarrassed goalkeeper Jonathan Dill-Hunt to walk in a second.

In between, McGowan chipped an effort against the crossbar for the visitors.

Winsford United’s record during pre-season remains unblemished after Dave Short’s goal in the second-half secured for them a 1-0 victory against Prescot Cables at Barton Stadium.

Lee Duckworth’s men have now won five successive matches.

Barnton could not prevent visitors Runcorn Linnets from easing to a 4-1 win at Townfield Lane where the visitors took the lead after half an hour.

Former Witton full-back Ally Brown made it 2-0 with a deft close-range finish before another ex-Witton man, striker Jamie Rainford, glanced a header past goalkeeper Callum Shuttlewood.

A triallist reduced the Villagers’ arrears before substitute Mark Houghton announced his return from a long-term injury by scoring Runcorn’s fourth goal.

Middlewich Town lost by the odd goal in seven when New Mills visited Seddon Street.

Jamie Garner, on target during a 2-2 draw with Atherton LR in midweek, repeated the trick for the Witches while newcomer Ste Hughes found the net too.

Michael Whitehead scored an opener for the hosts.

Lostock Gralam recovered from a slow start to brush aside former Cheshire League rivals Ford Motors.

James Dean’s brace provided a highlight, while Jack Woolley and Robbie Hatton finished impressively too during a 4-2 victory.

Results

Pre-season friendlies

Saturday, July 20

Barnton 1-4 Runcorn Linnets

Ford Motors 2-4 Lostock Gralam

Middlewich Town 3-4 New Mills

Rhyl 0-2 1874 Northwich

Partington Village L-L Winnington Avenue 1994

Winsford United 1-0 Prescot Cables

Witton Albion 1-1 Northwich Victoria (after 90 mins, Witton win 4-2 on penalties)