By Steven Oldham Cover photo Gary Bebbington Runcorn Town vs Market Drayton Town
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Runcorn Town off to a flyer
Runcorn Town scored twice in each half to get off to a winning start on the North West Counties First Division South’s opening day – at the expense of Market Drayton Town.
Jamie Apperley opened the scoring after 18 minutes, and doubled his tally late in the second half. Matt Vickers gave his side a 2-0 half time lead, and a competitive debut goal for substitute Orran Mushet sealed a comprehensive win one minute from time.
The Cheshire side are the early pacesetters after beating a team they only took one point from last season on their run to a 12th place finish.
READ MORE:NWC: Champions Winsford sign off with 3-2 win
Stockport Georgians tame Wolves
Stockport Georgians cleared one of their biggest away days and returned home with three points after seeing off Wolverhampton Sporting Community 4-2.
Ollie McFadyen’s 14th minute penalty quickly levelled the scores after the hosts took the lead through Matthew Vaughan. Joe Collins’ effort six minutes from time gave Georgians the half time lead, and Kyle Wych furthered their advantage midway through the second half.
Sporting – one of three sides reprieved from relegation last year – pulled another back through Dan Melsom, but Danny Kyobe calmed any nerves to seal the win on 88 minutes.
Barnton bounce back to win
Barnton came from behind to see off new boys Haughmond 2-1 in front of the division’s biggest crowd of the day – 232.
Ethan Pickford gave the Shropshire side a dream start after just 8 minutes, but the sides went in level at the break thanks to Jack McKean’s goal on 17 minutes.
The game looked to be heading to a score draw until sub James Sigsworth settled in favour of the home side with two minutes left on the clock.
🎙⚽ Hear from our Man of the Match, Jack Smith, following today’s performance.
— Barnton AFC (@barntonfc) July 26, 2025
A standout display and some thoughtful words post-match.
Thanks to Has Gas and Howdens Winsford for sponsoring the MOM award #nwcfl #juve #FinoAllaFine #bianconeri pic.twitter.com/hndQofL98T
Depleted Nomads denied win in added time
Ten-man Cheadle Heath Nomads had to settle for a point after Allscott Heath’s stoppage time equaliser held them to a 1-1 draw.
Ryan Conroy’s side played for over half the match a man short after Peter Iacovou’s straight red card on 37 minutes. Despite this, they took the lead through Edson Cata midway through the second half.
A plucky win looked on the cards until deep into added time – with Ben Summers snatching a point for his side five minutes after the 90 minute mark.
All square at New Mills
New Mills and Alsager Town both have a point on the board after a 1-1 draw at Church Lane.
The Bullets were quick off the mark, with Alfie Carmichael giving his side the lead after six minutes. Rio Wilson-Heyes levelled the game for the home side ten minutes after the restart.
Ashville take early point
Ashville shared the points with newcomers Wolverhampton Casuals in a 1-1 draw at the Ray Parker Stadium.
Joe Dulson’s opener gave Ashville the advantage after five minues, but they were pegged back midway through the second half by Jonathan Letford’s goal.
Cammell Laird were beaten 2-1 at Shawbury United, with a James Eaton penalty not enough to cancel out earlier goals from Eric Mensah and Ablay Sowe.
North West Counties First Division South results in brief
Elsewhere in the division last season’s play-off finalists Stafford Town are off to a winning start, beating Eccleshall 2-0. Newly-promoted Telford Town earned their first point in a 2-2 draw at Foley Meir.
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