THE final whistle must have been music to the ears of St Werburghs’ players on Saturday after they were humbled in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup.

The Chester side lost 17-0 at home to Castrol Social. Their tormentors-in-chief were six goal hotshot Stewey Carroll and Mark Ryan, who netted five.

Blacon YC progressed to the second round following a hard-earned 2-1 success at Crewe FC. The visitors had Jamie Rogers and Ben Harvey on target in a welcome distraction from their battle against relegation.

Richard Keen and Nick Askey found the net to hand hosts Helsby a 2-0 victory over Ellesmere Port outfit Grange Athletic.

Chester Nomads had Dale Harris on target in their confrontation with Runcorn Town, but it was the visitors who went through thanks to replies from Aaron Brown, Will Dolan and Ian McAuley.

Saturday’s Division One action saw Upton AA spurn the chance to move into second place after they lost 1-0 at leaders New Brighton. Ian Lochran was the lone marksman as the Seasiders leapfrogged Runcorn into pole position.

It was also a blank day for Christleton, who scored through Lennox Beddows but succumbed 2-1 after goals from Aintree Villa’s Ronan Kelly and Colin McDonald.

Christleton’s second string stayed firmly rooted to the foot of Division Two, following a 2-1 defeat at Maghull Reserves, despite a fine goal from Richard Buchanan.

In Division Three, Upton AA Reserves savoured a 4-2 decision over Fairfield Athletic Reserves, inspired by a Tom Mackerel double. Steve Roberts and Mike Bowell were the other scorers.

Blacon YC Reserves and newcomers Richmond Raith Rovers shared the points in a 3-3 stalemate at Cairns Crescent. Russ Whitely (2) and Shane Crimes found the net for Blacon.