A MINUTE’S applause was described as the ‘best way’ to honour the memory of a much loved member of Blacon Youth Club.

Alex Chard, 21, lost his life after being involved in a road accident in Leicestershire.

Team-mates at Blacon used Saturday’s Chester and District FA Senior Cup third round tie with neighbours Lache to commemorate Alex before kick-off.

Manager Aden Shannon told The Chronicle: “A minute’s applause was the best way to honour his memory.

“We also wore special T-shirts during the warm-up.

“It was a big derby game with Lache but they did what was asked.

“His family all came together at the game and we just wanted to show our support because Alex is a big loss to everyone.”

Blacon won the tie 2-0 thanks to goals from Shannon and Lee McElmeel.

Upton AA also progressed in the same competition, beating Waggon and Horses 6-3 with Owen Kelsey (3) among their scorers. Danny Davies scored a hat-trick for Waggon.

In Saturday’s West Cheshire League action, Chester Nomads lost 3-0 at home to Marine Reserves in Division One. In Division Two, Helsby lost 3-2 at Mersey Royal while in Division Three Upton AA Reserves went down 4-1 at Capenhurst Villa Res.

In the Chester & District League, a busy day of cup action saw Greyhound Inn and Shaftesbury Youth progress in the Tom Gerraghty Memorial Trophy. They beat Ellesmere Port Town (3-0) and Hoole Rangers (4-2) respectively.

Greyhound’s goals came from Chris Larson (2) and James Turner.

In the quarter-finals of the Cayzer Shield, Deva Athletic beat Avenue Vets 3-1 on penalties after drawing 2-2. Boughton Athletic’s hopes were ended by a 12-1 loss to Birkenhead Town, their consolation coming from Ben Harrison.

In the quarter-finals of the League Cup, Adie Gough’s two goals were in vain as Cestrian Alex lost 10-2 to Woodlands Santos.

In the Premier Division, Martin Fitzsimons scored five goals for Kelsall in their 7-1 defeat of Whitby Athletic.

Chester Celtic beat Orange Athletic 2-1 in Division One while in Division Two Lodge Bar overcame Neston Nomads 2-1. Dave McLoughlin scored twice for Peacock 09 in their 6-3 loss to Shippons Athletic.

In Division Three, Grosvenor Arms went down 8-0 at home to Sandbank.