Great Britain and Ireland hold a two-point lead over the United States heading into the final day of the Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake.

The hosts are 7-5 in front after the opening day's play at the tournament, contested by the world's leading amateur players.

Alex Fitzpatrick led the way for Britain and Ireland as he beat world number one Cole Hammer of the US in his singles contest.

Conor Gough, Scotland’s Euan Walker and Sandy Scott and Ireland’s Caolan Rafferty also recorded singles wins in the afternoon session to put Britain and Ireland in the driving seat.

The home side are aiming to regain the Walker Cup from their American rivals and need a further 6.5 points tomorrow to lift the trophy.

An evenly-contested first day saw the two teams level at 2-2 after the morning's foursomes.

But Britain and Ireland had the better of the afternoon's matches as Gough and Fitzpatrick ended as the only two players to hold a 100 per cent record.

"I felt like I’ve been playing really well this week and felt up to the task so I was pleased when I saw they put me out first and saw his name [Hammer]," Fitzpatrick said. 

"I enjoy challenges and today was quite a big one to face but I’m happy I succeeded.

"The support we had all day was unbelievable and I’m pretty pumped."