Helsby got a reality check against a strong Newton team, losing 3-0 with all the goals coming in the second half.

The first period was a fairly tight and even affair, but Helsby carved out the best of the opportunities and should have had something to show for their endeavours. John McDonald burst through the Newton back line and held off his marker, but shot straight at the home keeper. Gary Lunt then latched on to a long ball out of defence, but through one-on-one he tried to round the keeper and the chance went begging. At the other end a couple of last ditch Helsby clearances kept the game scoreless going into the interval.

After the break, Newton stepped up a couple of gears and Helsby were unable to cope with their pace, fitness and movement. It remained 0-0 until the 70th minute, when Newton's substitute cut in from the right and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner past Andy Stringer. Five minutes later Helsby were caught trying to play too much football in their box, and were punished as a powerful low drive flew past Stringer at the far post. Just on the final whistle Newton scored their third to seal a convincing and deserved victory.