Local Football – 16th March

Stoke City were unable to build on last weekend’s win at Preston, as they were swept aside by Norwich City at the Bet365 Stadium.

Goals from Josh Sargent, Gabriel Sara and Ashley Barnes saw Norwich claim a 3-0 win, and Stoke go into the international break in 19th place – two points clear of the drop zone.

It was another game without a win for Port Vale boss Darren Moore as his side were beaten 2-0 at Vale Park by promotion chasing Oxford United.

Of the bottom six, only Fleetwood Utd picked up a point, so The Vale remain six points from safety as they prepare for a huge match this coming weekend, when they make the short trip to 19th  place Burton Albion.

Crewe Alexandra swapped league positions with the MK Dons, as they were beaten 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

Elliot Nevitt had equalised for The Alex before two goals in three minutes blew The Railwaymen away and they were unable to find a response.

The Alex face another promotion contender this coming weekend when 7th place Wimbledon visit South Cheshire.

Into the Northern Premier League where a Tom Jones penalty was cancelled out by The City of Liverpool as the two sides earned a point each in a 1-1 draw at The Lyme Valley Stadium.

Leaders Leek Town are now fifteen points clear at the top of the table after beating Prescot Cables 3-0 at Harrison Park.

Goals from Louis Keenan, Thomas Carr and an own goal mean Leek are guaranteed a minimum top five finish as they close in on the league title.

Goals from Jake Lovatt and Kieran Brown weren’t enough to prevent Kidsgrove from falling to a 3-2 defeat away at Mossley.

Lucas Baker and Dylan Scott score the goals for Hanley Town as they picked up a big three points at home to Witton Albion.

A goal for Kai Evans and two for Byron Harrison saw Nantwich beat Chasetown by three goals to nil at The Weaver Stadium.

And Stafford Rangers remain in trouble at the wrong end of their league table as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Radcliffe at Marston Road.

Onto the women’s game and Stoke City’d fixture with Burnley was postponed.

Two goals for Olivia Grocott and one each for Erin Moreton Powell and Elissa Dockerty saw Port Vale easily beat Darlaston Town.

Crewe Alexandra were denied the chance of Cheshire County Cup glory as Stockport County beat them 2-0 at the semi-final stage yesterday afternoon.

Nantwich Town were beaten in their final league game of the season  4-1 by AFC Crewe,

And both Newcastle Town and Leek Town’s women both saw their respective games postponed due to waterlogged pitches.