CARLSBERG WEST CHESHIRE A.F.L.

With the title race virtually a one horse race, attention is focused on the battle to avoid relegation from Division 1. Blacon YC chalked up a 2nd successive vital victory, this time at the expense of fellow strugglers Willaston. Adam Longton and Paul Dowridge were on the mark in the 2-1 triumph with Paul Allison hitting the visitor’s reply. Upton AA scored a similar sized success at Marshalls whose recent form must be causing concern. Tod Reid and Diinu Maghici were the visiting heroes after Olli Roberts had given Marshalls an early lead. Another lower table clash produced a 7 goal thriller at Christleton who had Paul Kenyon, John Coulter, Nathan Mapletoft and Ronnie Morgan, pen., obliging as they edged out Southport Trinity whose marksmen were Joe Grice, pen., Ben Johnson and Andy Vernon. Ashville’s lead at the top was extended to 11 points in midweek as goals from Josh Duress, Jay Clare, Chris Barrow, Lee Hammond and Kevin Bimpson featured in the 5-0 eclipse of Marshalls. The momentum was maintained on Saturday when a Steve Connors strike just before the break was supplemented by a Lee Hammond free kick late in the game as they overcame hosts Ellesmere Port, 2-0. West Kirby continued their winning ways and remain 2nd after Jon-Paul Stanhope, Jack Ford and Stuart Jackson registered in an impressive 3-0 defeat of Chester Nomads. In a rehearsal of next month’s Pyke Cup semi final, Vauxhall Motors Reserves collected a 5th successive victory when defeating visitors Maghull, 2-0. A very open contest that was full of chances was ironically decided by a penalty in each half for Motor’s Steve Finlay. Mossley Hill Athletic leapfrogged opponents Newton into 3rd place after Dave Byrne, John Daly and Kieran Jones netted in a 3-1 triumph that saw Dave Lynch secure the sole reply.
There was an amazing scoreline at Capenhurst Villa who trounced Division 2 leaders, Hale, 7-0. Mike Urmston led the way with a double and he was supported by Alan Locke, Mark McAffrey, Tony Ashton, Mark Ryan and Jack Sheppard. New look Mallaby surprised 3rd placed New Brighton whose defence was breached 5 times by Eddie Toner, 2, John Hedges, Connor Hannah and Gerard Mullen with the hosts netting just once in response. Beb Athletic return to the top and were grateful to Dayne Murphy whose solitary strike was enough for them to overcome Runcorn Linnets Reserves. Prescot Cables Reserves [Lee Owens, Charlie Wilson, Chris McGann] replaced opponents Ashville Reserves [Mark Powell] in 4th place courtesy of a 3-1 success and Bronze Social [Owen Davies, Anthony Anglesey, Lee Dermody] gained a 3-2 verdict over West Kirby Reserves [Kevin Lewis, Nathan Jaaffee]. Graham Williams notched the game’s only goal for Manor Athletic on their visit to Richmond Raith Rovers and Heswall Reserves [Ian Burrows] grabbed a useful point at Maghull Reserves [Baqar Parvas].
As half time was reached in the 3rd Division top of the table clash, 2nd place Helsby led 2-0 thanks to Wes Huizer and John Coady but two goals in a minute by South Liverpool’s Mike Thompson and Alex Woodcock secured them a share of the spoils. John Eymond-Jones and Ryan Farrell grabbed a brace apiece for Upton AA Reserves s as they split 10 goals with neighbours Christleton Reserves and Andy Cashmore was also a 2 goal man when Hale Reserves collected their 8th point of the season in a 3-3 draw with Capenhurst Villa Reserves.
Youth Division action saw 2nd placed South Liverpool drop vital points after a goal less encounter with visitors Widnes Town and leaders Maghull capitalized by overcoming Helsby 5-1. Lower Breck Boys featured doubles from John Nado, Liam Wilson and Shaun Campbell as they secured an 8-4 victory over Pex Hill whose Stuart McDonald hit a sparkling 2nd half hat trick.