The story of a tough afternoon for Winsford Saxons

However, it yielded a very disappointing result as Avon Villa of the Warrington and District Football League Premier Division hammered them 7-0.

It could have been worse for Gary Lee Jamieson’s side, who conceded six of their goals before half time, while they were also wasteful in front of goal.

Saxons’ final friendly before their Crewe and District League season is on Friday as they travel to Christleton FC, kick off 6.30pm.

Jamieson says he and assistant boss Mike Fitzsimmons will be looking for a much-improved display.

“We picked a few sides we knew would test us from higher leagues and a few unknowns,” the Saxons boss said.

“Each have proved to be extremely good tests, which is exactly what we wanted.

“Avon were a very accomplished side with real quality.

“We knew nothing about them when we picked the game, and it proved to be our toughest test of pre-season – a big powerful side but also very good on the ball.

“We started extremely well and probably should have scored at least two goals in the opening minutes.

“Young striker Callum Herbert, 17, showing his age doesn't matter as his talent is endless.

“He was a constant threat throughout the game and tested their goalkeeper on a handful of occasions.

“If it wasn’t for some very good keeping, he could of scored a few before half time himself.

“However, to find ourselves 6-0 down at half time isn’t acceptable, and me and Mike Fitzsimmons made sure the team knew that.

“We showed a better showing in the second half and the game finished 7-0 – I suppose if we were to add context we could have scored seven ourselves.

“Poor finishing, good goalkeeping from Avon Villa and bad defending ultimately is a bad mix at any level.”