After an entertaining 2-2 draw between Barnoldswick Town and a Fleetwood Town XI in the opening match of the eight-team tournament, Stockport took the first points in Clitheroe’s group thanks to Jack Walls’ second-half goal.

The Blues had numerous chances to get their campaign up and running with a positive result but were constantly denied by outstanding County keeper Josh Schofield.

And the young Hatters were rewarded for their resilience when Walls met a far-post cross from Adam Owen five minutes after the break to nod home the winner.

Clitheroe – missing the injured Terry Cummings, Jake Connelly and Danny Pilkington – fielded close to their strongest available side on a welcome return to action for the first time since the turn of the year.

With the league programme declared null and void due to the pandemic, boss David Lynch was pleased to get his players back together for the three-week-long tournament.

It also gave Lynch a chance to blood new signing Sefton Gonzales on his return to Shawbridge.

And the big striker almost announced his early arrival with an early goal following an excellent through-ball from Danny Wilkins.

But Schofield spread himself well to make a save and set the tone for the afternoon.

The Stockport keeper then made another fine save from former County defender Chris Smalley’s well-struck volley before Blues midfielder Gary Stopforth saw a goalbound effort headed clear by Kai Johnson.

Stopforth was also thwarted by Schofield after robbing Lewis Earl in the only step put wrong by the impressive County midfielder.

Kielen Adams – looking to strike up a fruitful partnership with Gonzales – also found Schofield in his way with a shot destined for the bottom corner.

And while Blues keeper Chris Thompson had seen little action – barring a free-kick from Owen which he grabbed at the second attempt – Stockport weathered the storm and struck early in the second half through Walls’ close-range finish.

Clitheroe were less dominant after the break as Stockport worked hard to deny them as much possession.

But they still had chances to earn at least a share of the points, with new signing Taylor Brickell looking a threat following his arrival from the bench and Bailey Hunter justifying his elevation from the Under-21s with a late run-out.

But Adams was again denied by Schofield following an excellent break from half-way.

And after Gonzales couldn’t convert another chance to equalise, the striker teed up Edy Maieco for an effort well stopped by Schofield, whose clean sheet also earned his side an extra bonus point.

"It's disappointing, but only because you want to win every game. There were some good performances in there but it's a reminder that you've got to be more ruthless," said Lynch.

"That was a problem last season and something we've got to put right. They were a good side, without threatening us too often, and we have to keep learning lessons.

"But it's great to see everyone back and it's fantastic that the club has worked so hard to put this on. It's been a really positive day and we're looking forward to the rest of the Festival."

Clitheroe: Thompson; Foulds, Smalley, Priestley, Lonsdale, Stopforth (Ince 75), Dent (Hunter 70), Wilkins (Brickell 24), Maieco, Gonzales, Adams. Substitutes: Lawless, Ditch.

Stockport County: Schofield, Walls, Edwards, Earl, Jinkinson, Holding, Johnson (Clarke 68), Hopkins, Alli (Jackson 85), Tanswell, Owens. Substitutes: Brockbank, Walsh, Sumner.

The Festival continues on Sunday with Accrington Stanley facing Rimington (KO11 am) in Clitheroe’s group and Marine then opening their bid in the other group when the face local side Hurst Green.

All matches are being played behind closed doors but virtual tickets for whole tournament (priced just £10) are available HERE

Main image: Jack Horton-Carysforth