Ashcroft's off the mark

Northwich Victoria manager is celebrating his side's first piece of silverware this season and the new campaign hasn't even kicked off yet!

The First Division North manager is pictured alongside Tony Hesketh, left, and James Nichols, right, with the Tony Downes Trophy after his side recorded a resounding 3-0 win over Premier Division newcomers Droylsden in the annual cup competition.

Ashcroft's team, which contained many of the players set to start at Padiham FC on Saturday on the opening day of the campaign, won with a first half goal from Kieran Lugsden on 29 minutes, Simon Garner in the 75th minute and Alex Taylor in the final minutes.