NEW recruit Tom Bailey scored a hat-trick as 1874 Northwich continued an encouraging start to pre-season by beating Sandbach United in a friendly on Saturday.

The front man, signed from former North West Counties League rivals Glossop North End this summer, starred in a 6-0 win.

It means Ian Street’s side have netted nine times in two matches since starting to prepare for the campaign.

Sam Hind, another to have arrived at Barton Stadium this summer, Stuart Wellstead and George Riley were also on target.

Winsford United settled the outcome of their meeting with Warrington Town’s reserves inside 10 minutes at Orford.

Returning Dale Jennings put them in front when he finished smartly after Danny Kerr had supplied a pass.

And the latter provided an assist for Blues’ second goal shortly afterwards, when an unnamed trialist drilled with power past the Cheshire League side’s custodian.

Northwich Victoria suffered a narrow 1-0 reverse at Colwyn Bay, where former Barnton and Witton Albion winger Chris Gahgan scored a decisive goal in the moments after half time.

He fired a rising shot past Mason Springthorpe after Vics’ goalkeeper blocked Will Jones’ initial attempt.

Chris Smith claimed four of Barnton’s goals in a 6-1 win at Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds, who play in the Cheshire League’s top flight.

A brace from fellow forward Chris Bandell, who has switched to Townfield this summer from Warrington Town, completed the Villagers’ tally.

Dan Taylor’s treble was a highlight for Rudheath Social in a 5-2 win at Neston Nomads.

The teams shared four goals in the opening period before co-managers Graham Egerton and Ben Smith saw their side go on to score five for a second successive game.

Shaun Alcock bagged a brace.

Middlewich Town began their preparations for a new season in Cheshire League One with a slender 3-2 reverse at Rylands.

Elsewhere Ryan Thomas found the net twice for Whitchurch Alport, from the North West Counties League’s second tier, in a 5-0 victory against Lostock Gralam.

Meanwhile Cuddington let slip a two-goal advantage in a 5-2 home reverse against Warrington-based Orford.

To see a calendar of pre-season friendly fixtures, click here