THE inaugural Barry Gaulton Cup proved to be a huge success.

Saturday’s match was staged in memory of Chester football stalwart Barry Gaulton and more than 100 people watched on as Upton AA beat their West Cheshire League neighbours Chester Nomads 5-1 to claim the cup.

Before the kick-off Mr Gaulton’s partner of 24 years, Sylvia Dartnell, cut the ribbon on Upton’s renovated and repainted stand.

The stand has been renamed ‘The Barry Gaulton Stand’ and, like the match itself, acts as a tribute to the club’s former secretary and chairman who died aged 70 last October.

Peter Upton, Upton AA’s current chairman, said: “It was a great day and an extremely fitting tribute to a great guy. There were over 100 people there – family, friends, officials from the West Cheshire and Chester & District leagues, referees, ex-players and players.”

Mr Gaulton’s brother Denis presented Upton AA with the cup after their victory.

It was also fitting that Steve Johnson received his FA 2010 National Groundsman of the Year award for his upkeep of Upton AA’s pitch – as it was Mr Gaulton who nominated him for it.

Malpas and Christleton played out a hard-fought 2-2 friendly draw on Friday.

The Cheshire League hosts twice took the lead through a Dominic O’Keeffe penalty and a close-range Dean Marsh effort, but West Cheshire League Christleton fought back to secure a deserved share of the spoils.