NEWTON ATHLETIC fell to their first defeat of the season at home to Sandbach United Reserves as their exertions from playing in four competitions caught up with the team.

Ben Woodman found the net for the hosts, but Sandbach struck twice to deny Newton a sixth straight league success as the visitors prevailed with a 2-1 win.

The result takes Sandbach up to third in Division Two of the Cheshire Football League, at the expense of Newton Athletic who slip down to fourth.

Speaking after the game, Newton Athletic boss Paul Owens said: “It was a bit of a difficult game and perhaps tough for the boys to come back to league football.

“We came up against a good side who were better than us on the day.

“We’re still in four different competitions which is great, but we’re also not expecting to win every game. I’m sure the boys can use this defeat to drive us to win next time out.

“We’re still in a good position in the league with games in hand on those above us.”

The leagues only other fixture saw Pilkington Reserves play out an entertaining 3-3 draw with St Helens Town Reserves.

Meanwhile, in Division Three of the West Cheshire League, Chester Nomads 3rds claimed a crucial victory over Neston Nomads Reserves.

Prior to kick-off, Neston sat bottom of the league while Chester were just one point and one place above them in 15th.

Charlie Mann rose to the occasion, though, scoring two goals to help inspire Chester to a 3-1 victory, with Sam Lloyd also on the scoresheet.

Harry Blair scored the consolation goal for the hosts in the defeat which leaves them rooted to the bottom, while Chester Nomads 3rds rise up to 14th.

Other West Cheshire League Division Three results: Rainford United FC 2 – 0 Marine FC Reserves; Aintree Villa Res 1 – 2 Willaston FC; FC Bootle St Edmund's First 4 – 2 Heswall Reserves; West Kirby Reserves 1 – 2 Marshalls Reserves.