WITTON Albion’s fixture at Marine was the only one in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight to fall victim to the weather.

Heavy rain overnight, which continued on Saturday morning, left the Crosby club’s pitch waterlogged.

Results elsewhere were unfavourable for Carl Macauley’s men after promotion play-offs rivals Ashton United, Farsley Celtic and Shaw Lane all recorded victories.

It leaves Albion six points adrift of the Northern Premier League Premier Division’s top-five with seven games left.

Scott McGowan’s double for 1874 Northwich was the highlight of a 3-0 success at in-form Irlam, who had won six of their previous seven games in all competitions.

Sam Freakes also scored his first goal for the club since a transfer from Abbey Hey as a side managed by Paul Bowyer and Wayne Goodison made it back-to-back wins in the North West Counties League’s top-flight.

A serious leg injury to Northwich Victoria midfielder Adam Robinson occupied the thoughts of Vics fans following a 3-2 win at Winsford United.

Front men Brian Matthews and George Hassall, on loan from AFC Fylde, established an interval lead for Steve Wilkes’ side.

Callam Gardner’s penalty halved Blues’ arrears before Oscar Durnin settled the outcome.

Middlewich Town’s hopes of securing promotion to the Cheshire League’s Premier Division received a blow after the let slip a two-goal lead against Egerton – a direct rival.

Rory Gorton and Tom Rutter were both on target for the Witches before the break, only for Yellows to rally after it to record a crucial 3-2 win.

There was mixed fortune for mid Cheshire sides in knockout competitions.

Kyle Watson’s double for Mersey Valley helped them to eliminate Lostock Gralam from the JA Walton Challenge Cup at the quarter-finals stage.

George Ward replied for the Grey Lambs.

Cuddington progressed to the Northern Cup last four after sharing six goals with Styal’s reserves at Moss Farm.

They could not be separated after extra time, and Gareth Harwood’s men held their nerve to prevail 8-7 in a penalty shoot-out.

Winsford Saxons secured a spot in the Crewe and District League’s AJ Cooke Trophy final following a comfortable 9-3 victory at Winnington Avenue.

Front man Ste Hughes netted a hat-trick.

Results

Saturday, March 31

Northern Premier League

Premier Division: Ashton Utd 4-0 Whitby; Barwell 2-1 Sutton Coldfield; Buxton 4-2 Workington; Grantham 0-3 Mickleover; Hednesford 1-1 Stourbridge; Lancaster 1-2 Altrincham; Matlock 3-1 Coalville; Nantwich 2-1 Warrington; Rushall 1-3 Shaw Lane; Stafford 0-0 Halesowen; Stalybridge 1-4 Farsley Celtic.

North West Counties League

Premier Division: Irlam 0-3 1874 Northwich; Maine Road 0-5 Runcorn Linnets; Widnes 2-0 AFC Liverpool; Winsford 2-3 Northwich Victoria.

Cheshire League

League One: Daten 3-2 Halebank; Middlewich 2-3 Egerton.

League Two: Broadheath Central 2-2 Winstanley; Moore 1-3 Ford Motors; Orford 3-1 Maine Road res.

Reserves Division: Garswood 1-2 Eagle. Double-header: Poynton 0-2 Greenalls PSO; Greenalls PSO 0-1 Poynton.

JA Walton Challenge Cup

Quarter-finals: Blacon 0-2 Vulcan; Mersey Valley 2-1 Lostock Gralam.

Northern Cup

Quarter-finals: Cuddington 3-3 Styal res (aet, Cuddington win 8-7 on penalties); Market Drayton Tigers 2-1 Over 3 Grange (aet); Pilkington 4-1 Ecclesfield.

Crewe and District League

Premier Division: Club AZ 3-2 Clock Tower; Sandbach Town 3-1 Mary Dendy.

AJ Cooke Trophy

Semi-finals: Winnington Ave 3-9 Winsford Saxons.