Plenty of action for our youngsters around the North West over the last week, with many lads experiencing a double game week across the Emirates FA Cup, Northern Premier League and North West Counties League.

One player back in the Alty fold is midfielder Owen German, who's returned to The J.Davidson Stadium after spending the first month of 2025/26 on loan with Enterprise National League North side Alfreton Town.

Joel Bailey continues to rack up the minutes for Bamber Bridge - the central defender starting in both Brig's Emirates FA Cup defeat at AFC Fylde on Saturday and last night's Northern Premier League encounter with Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Remi Raymond made his second appearance for Witton Albion during their 2-1 Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying defeat at Morpeth Town on Saturday.

Academy goalie Max Beddow (pictured above) and midfielder Harry Watson were both starters for Barnton in the NWCFL Division One South during a 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Sporting that moved the Northwich-based side to within two points of the play-off spots.

Another academy prospect in action twice this week was Isaac Mannion, making two appearances for Cheadle Heath Nomads.

No further starts for Lucas Edwards at Irlam for the moment as the full-back rehabs from injury with the Robins at Egerton.

Many thanks to Ian Watmore for sponsoring Owen and Go Interiors Warrington for sponsoring Remi this season.