THE Town teams of Nantwich and Alsager warmed up for this week-end's FA Cup ties by recording their first league wins of the season on Saturday.
Nantwich, buoyed by a Cheshire Senior Cup success over Congleton in midweek, won 1-0 at Atherton LR with a late goal from debutant Paul Rutter.
The tall forward has joined on a month's loan from Stafford Rangers and has previously been on the books of Port Vale.
Rutter latched on to a through ball from Michael Owen before drilling past LR keeper Colin Flood five minutes from time.
Head coach Steve Davis said: 'Paul made a great start. He joined us in training last week and we will be looking to give him a few games. He is fairly big and looks an honest player.'
The Dabbers were also reinforced by the return from holiday of Richard Pullar and Paul Santus.
A first-half goal from Ashley Lawton had given Nantwich their 1-0 win over Congleton in last Wednesday's Cheshire UniBond Senior Cup preliminary-round tie. The Dabbers will now entertain Conference North side Stalybridge Celtic in the next round, provisionally on September 14.
Nantwich turn their attentions to the FA Cup at the weekend when they visit Sutton Coldfield Town in a preliminary-round tie. If no replay is required, they will visit Abbey Hey on Tuesday.
Last night's derby with Alsager Town was postponed due to their involvement in the county cup tonight.
Like Nantwich, Alsager have also captured a new striker in Paul Macari, from Leek Town.
But it was another new boy, summer signing Dave Walker, who netted twice as Alsager defeated Ramsbottom United 3-1.
Walker scored at the start and end of the first period and with Ian Verow also netting, Alsager were good value for their first league triumph of the campaign.
Macari, formerly with Stoke and Huddersfield and son of former Manchester United and Scotland ace Lou, is expected to spend a month with the club.
Manager Greg Clowes said: 'Hopefully Paul will get us some goals and be a leader on the pitch. He's experienced and talks well, which is something our young side will benefit from.'
Meanwhile, Clowes is also considering a move for former Leek front man Martin Ridley or Warrington striker Mike Heverin as he looks to bolster his strike force.
Alsager visit Cheadle Town in the preliminary round of the Cheshire Senior Cup tonight and then make the trip to Atherton Collieries at the same stage of the FA Cup this Saturday. If there is no replay needed, Alsager will host Trafford in a league game next Tuesday.
Alsager seek matchday volunteers and help with work around the ground. For details contact secretary Pauline Matthews on 01782 834296 or Sam Brotherton on 01782 810745.
Alsager (v Ramsbottom): Powner; Espley, Fraser, Elks, Brother-ton, Verow, Heler, Parkinson, Tarr, Walker, Macari. Attendance: 90.
Nantwich (at Atherton LR): Read, Pullar, Beattie, Davis, Jardine, Owen, Griggs, Knight, Lawton (Santus, 80), Rutter, Melling (Morrison, 31). Attendance: 68.
