Tom Lowery made his long awaited return to first-team action against the youngsters from Newcastle United last night. The midfielder completed 70 minutes of his comeback before being replaced by Luke Murphy.

Lowery was often in possession and looking to make things happen in the final third. He was booked for a trip as his legs began to tire, but it was a really useful run out for the Holmes Chapel based youngster as he aims to recapture his match fitness.

Lowery had not featured at first team level since late January and he needed surgery to rectify a hernia problem.

Assistant manager, Kenny Lunt was pleased that the former Academy graduate is on the way back after his lengthy spell on the sidelines. He said: “It is great to have Tom back. He is a good player and he have missed him. Others have come in and done well when he has been out injured so he knows he has to play well to get back into the team and then stay there.

“It is all about him getting game time at the minute and I’m sure he will be pleased to get another 70 minutes tonight. He is gearing up to getting those 90 minutes under his belt.

“He was bound to tire in the second half and he did. He faded a bit because of the tempo but that is to be expected. It was only his second game back after playing 45 minutes for the 23s and he did fine. “