LOOKERS Vauxhall Stadium saw the CWFL representative side take on the Isle of Man in round one of the FA National Inter League Cup Competition.

Despite losing 7-1 to the current holders, the CWFL put up a brave performance to mark their debut in this competition, where the very best of grassroots footballers from each league across the country have an opportunity to gauge themselves against each other.

As the action got underway on a stunning pitch at the home of Chester FC, it was apparent that the CWFL had a job on their hands.

The Manx side took the game to CWFL but some stunning stops by man of the match Josh Atkins kept them at bay.

As the half progressed, the CWFL came more into the game and gave a fantastic account, with some great football being played.

Two goals for the Isle of Man in the last five minutes of the half, however, gave the CWFL a mountain to climb after the break.

Straight from the restart, the Isle of Man turned on the class to show why they are one of the top-rated teams at amateur level.

A further five goals followed, but Andy Dutton’s men kept pressing right up to the final whistle, eventually being rewarded with a 90th-minute penalty that was converted by Gino King.

After the game, league secretary Paul Graham said: "I could not have been prouder of our team today.

"We knew that we had a huge challenge before us but we met it head on and gave it our best shot.

"I feel that the performance that the CWFL put on today, both on and off the field, shows the huge potential of the league and we will certainly be pushing on from here.

"Once again, Chester FC have shown this city that they are a true community club with the community at heart.

"Jon McCarthy especially for taking regular training with the team on a weekly basis.

"I have to thank Andy Dutton and his coaches Chris Timms, Steve Leftley and Dale Gilmartin along with all the players." 

Due to the representative game taking place, only five fixtures were played.

In the Link Up Division Two, Woodchurch Athletic Reserves got their campaign off to a winning start.

They played host to Ellesmere Port Spartans, winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Ben Robinson and a Mark Roberts’ hat-trick.

Eastham Athletic recorded their second successive league win with a 1-0 victory over visitors New Ferry Rangers thanks to a Mike Foulkes effort.

In the CWFL Tarvin Precision Veterans Division, Nags Head Bunbury Vets go top after winning at home to Newton Athletic Vets thanks to goals from Jonny Stubbs, Dan McElroy, Martin Bebington, Ian Atkins and John Brown. 

Vincent Burden hit four and Jamie Roberts two for Dee Rangers vets in their 6-3 win at home to Tattenhall Vets. 

In the day's final game, Blacon Youth Vets beat Plough Vets by the odd goal in seven.

Lee Whelan (2), Andrew Bale, and John Dowridge were all on target for Blacon, with the Plough goals courtesy of Liam Goulding and a Jeff Penn brace.
Normal action resumes next week in the CWFL.