Maghull stay 10 points clear

CARLSBERG WEST CHESHIRE A.F.L.

With their eyes firmly fixed on claiming their first ever Carlsberg West Cheshire League title, leaders Maghull entertained a visiting Vauxhall Reserves outfit in a decent vein of form. However the hosts were able to ease to an impressive 4-0 success thanks to strikes by Danny Dillon, Lee Tynan, Colin McDonald and Tom Wharton. Second placed South Liverpool travelled to Chester to take on Christleton and were made to fight all the way before emerging as 2-1 winners. Two goals from Alec Woodcock inspired the victory with Joel Douglas hitting the reply. Third placed Ashville had a less successful trip to the walled city as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at lowly Chester Nomads who had Mike Jeffs plundering the only goal of the game. West Kirby, now under the stewardship of Lee Gibson, continue to search for form and were put to the sword by visitors Hale who scored in the first minute through Wayne Smith who added a second just before the break, Carl Latham hit two more after James Atherton had pulled one back and the home ‘keeper had been shown a red card. The Division’s bottom two met at The Groves with Mallaby leapfrogging opponents Upton AA in the table courtesy of a 3-0 triumph. Hero of the day for the hosts was Gerard Mullen who bagged an excellent hat trick. Fellow strugglers Southport Trinity did themselves a huge favour by also registering a 3-0 success against out of form champions Heswall. Callum Kelly led the way with a brace which was supplemented by Michael Boyle. Blacon YC continue to enjoy a fruitful season and their 2-0 victory at Newton was underpinned by strikes from Ross Broadbent and Ryan Nicoll. Fourth placed Mossley Hill Athletic visited the side immediately below them, Cammell Laird Reserves, and it was Athletic who took a 33rd minute lead thanks to Dave Kelly’s well flighted effort from the edge of the box. Lairds hit back before the break when Joel Douglas rose high to head home a right wing cross. Almost immediately Athletic were reduced to 10 men when the referee produced a red card following a foul challenge. Goalmouth opportunities were scarce in the 2nd period as the contest ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Haworth and Gallagher Bowl took centre stage for Division 2 clubs with Redgate Rovers producing the shock of the day by defeating high flying Helsby, 4-0. Clarke Lawler, Brad Sherwood, Craig Blackwell and Paul Leary were the goalscoring heroes for Rovers. A high scoring affair saw Richmond Raith Rovers Mags emerge as 5-3 winners over Heswall Reserves, whose Richie Foulkes was responsible for his side’s total. Ryan Perry, 2, Dan Morley, 2, and Brad Thompson were the men obliging for Mags. Gateacre Village lost out by the odd goal in 5 to cup specialists Capenhurst Villa whose marksmen were Jack Sheppard, Luke Eccles and Mike Banks. Scott Willis and Jonathon Deus were on target for the Villagers. Only after a marathon penalty shoot-out were Maghull Reserves able to take their place in the semi-finals. Goals from Liam Carden, Chris Nation, 2, had produced a 3-3 draw at Mossley Hill Athletic who responded via Phil Duncan, 2, and Cameron McGann before Maghull claimed the shoot-out, 8-7.
Semi Final draw :- Capenhurst Villa v Maghull Reserves: Redgate Rovers v Richmond Raith Rovers Mags
Taking advantage of their rival’s cup activities, Manor Athletic reclaimed top spot after Andy Kingan, 2, and Terry New struck in the 3-1 defeat of lowly Willaston [Tom Kidd]. West Kirby Reserves secured a welcome 3 points when Paddy O’Sullivan and Matt Hoised netted as they got the better of Marshalls [Ashley Hawthorne]. Also tasting success were Ashville Reserves whose Tom Cardus, Ryan Clarke and Liam Malley underpinned their side’s 3-1 defeat of inconsistent Beb Athletic [Wayne Hulse].
Division 3 leaders St Helens Town Reserves enjoyed a comprehensive 6-0 triumph at table trailers Upton AA Reserves with Steve Bowen, Ben Norris and Adam Owens bagging a brace apiece. South Liverpool Reserves lie in 2nd spot courtesy of a 4-1 victory over visiting Christleton Reserves [Joe Byrns]. Neil Roach, Mitchell McNally, Dean Sayer and Curtis Cummins plundered Souths’ goals. Bootle Reserves remain in the promotion mix and Jock McCabe led the way with a hat trick as his side gained a 6-2 verdict over struggling Marshalls Reserves. There were doubles for Kirby Town Railway’s John Humphries and Capenhurst Villa Reserves’ Jamie Johnson as the sides shared 6 goals and Callum Johnson and Ryan Tousdale were also 2 goal men as Chester Nomads Reserves overcame Neston Nomads [Mark Noakes, 2, Josh Jones] by the odd goal in 7.
Youth Division top dogs, Vauxhall Motors [Craig Ellis, Cy Sullivan, Branden Thomas,2], were pushed all the way by West Kirby [Tyler Ward, Dan McLaughlin, Jack Ledsham] before edging a 4-3 decision but with Joe Peacock’s treble being the highlight, Bootle stayed well in contention when rattling in 8 goals without reply against Maghull. Strikes by Matthew Read and Abdi were just enough for South Liverpool to overcome Newton [Joe Molyneux] by 2 goals to 1.