by Jon Owen

ASSISTANT manager Lee Bould admitted his Cheadle United side were relieved to record their first victory of the season at last.

United beat Bignall End 1-0, thanks to a late Daniel Bloor strike, in the Sentinel Cup first round, to register their first win in six games.

They remain winless in the Potteries and District League – but are now hoping the cup success will act as a catalyst for United to string together an improved run of form.

Bould said his side remain realistic about their chances of winning the cup, but revealed it was a competition they were taking seriously.

He added: "The win has been a long time coming, but it is a monkey off our backs.

"We haven't had the rub of the green this season, so it's nice that it's us scoring a late goal for once.

"Even though we haven't managed to win in the league, our defeats came against Hanley Town and Sneyd, who are both expected to be right at the top this season.

"We know this season is something of a transitional one for us because we decided in the summer to blood some of our younger players.

"We are hoping that will pay dividends at the end of the campaign."

Also through to the next round are Chell Heath Knave, who beat New Finney Gardens 3-0.

Butt Lane White Star also secured their place in the second round with a 6-1 stroll at Chesterton.

Steven Feint was White Star's man-of-the-match after bagging a hat-trick.

Fulford FC will also be in the hat after their 4-0 win at home to Adderley Green.

An exciting clash between Fulford United and Social Services ended 3-3. But Fulford held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out, scoring all of their spot-kicks to win 4-2.

Goldenhill needed extra-time to beat Blythe Bridge, with Martin Moran scoring the decisive goal.

Two Tom Bisson goals helped Shamblers reach the next round following their 4-3 win at Marchington.

Post Office Vaults will also be in the next round after their 2-0 win against Hanley Town.

Knutton Matthey had Simon Wilshaw to thank after his hat-trick helped beat Shamblers Reserves 6-3, but Sneyd had a day to forget after losing 8-0 against Trentham Romans.

In Division One, Eaton Park won their first game of the season after defeating Caverswall 3-1.

Bench and Bar kept their 100 per cent record intact with a 4-1 win at Birches Head, although Loggerheads remain within touching distance of the top after their 2-1 win against Smithfield.

In Division Two, Abbey Hulton remain hot on the heals of leaders Knutton Matthey Reserves after their 4-1 win against Queens Head.

Matthey Reserves remain top after picking up a point at Bird in Hand in an exciting 3-3 draw.

Red Bull's disastrous start to the season continued after losing 2-1 to Bignall End CC.

The defeat was their fifth successive reverse in the league.

In the Vets Division, Fox and Duck beat Meir 2-1 and Foxley Milton also picked up the points after beating Normacot Vets by the same scoreline.