Newton were on top from the opening stages, with the midfield and attack linking well and producing some excellent football.

Dan Hankinson was a constant threat and came close to opening the scoring when he struck the post, while Rio Gill also went close as Newton repeatedly found ways through the Styal defence.

The breakthrough arrived on 29 minutes. Owen Walker linked well with Flynn Bickerstaffe down the right before Bickerstaffe delivered into the box. Captain Alex Barron had made a well-timed run from left-back and arrived to finish from close range.

Newton continued to dominate for the remainder of the half without adding to their advantage, with the Styal goalkeeper producing a good save to keep the visitors in the game.

The pattern continued after the restart. Ben Mather came on and immediately caused problems down the left, while Newton continued to move the ball well and press forward in search of a second.

Despite Newton’s control, Styal found themselves level on 67 minutes in fortunate circumstances.

Alfie Speakman conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box before producing a good save from the resulting effort, pushing the ball onto the post. Unfortunately, the rebound struck Speakman and found its way into the net to give Styal an equaliser completely against the run of play.

Newton responded well and continued to push rather than allowing the setback to disrupt their performance.

Their pressure was rewarded on 80 minutes. Joe Charleston crossed from the right and, after neither the Styal defence nor Newton attack could initially deal with the ball, Ben Crowe was waiting at the far post to head beyond the goalkeeper and restore the lead.

Five minutes later Newton made sure of the points. Charleston worked his way into the penalty area and was brought down before he could get his shot away, leaving the referee to point to the spot.

With regular penalty taker Matty Smith off the pitch and Anthony Plant unavailable, co-captain Charlie Eden stepped forward and confidently converted to make it 3–1.

Newton continued to play positively until the final whistle and the scoreline arguably flattered Styal, with the hosts controlling the majority of the contest and creating the far greater number of chances.

Dan Hankinson was named Player of the Match after an energetic and influential performance in attack, causing problems throughout and coming close to getting on the scoresheet himself.