Heswall reach semi-final of Cheshire Amateur Cup

Cheshire Amateur Cup holders, Heswall, eased their way into the semi-finals of this season’s competition thanks to a 4-1 victory at Upton A.A. Leading 2-0 at the interval, the visitors doubled their advantage before Owen Kelsey hit a late consolation for Upton. Earlier, Richie Foulkes, 2, Paul Elison and Paul Howell had netted for Heswall. Ashville also booked a last four place when defending a trophy as they edged out visiting Maghull, 2-1, in the Wirral Senior Cup. The hosts held a 1-0 interval lead as Jay Clare scored direct from a free kick with their only tangible effort on goal during a half dominated by Maghull. James Blackhurst did level matters from close range in the 57th minute but by then Ashville were coming more into the game and with 10 minutes remaining substitute Liam Jameson broke clear to net the winner. Even so home keeper Declan Morgan had to be at his best on more than one occasion to deny Maghull a 2nd equalizer that they battled hard to achieve.
Division 1 leaders Cammell Laird Reserves were involved in an exciting 4-4 draw with 2nd placed Chester Nomads. John Wheadon, Chris Hesketh, Jonathon Atkinson and player manager Carl Clampitt were on target for Lairds as Kieran Smith, 2, Dale Harris and Daniel Lloyd responded for Nomads. Vauxhall Motors Reserves are 3rd after Mark Bainbridge netted the game’s only goal with 4 minutes remaining of a high quality encounter at Southport Trinity. West Kirby, with games in hand, remain well in the title hunt after hot shot Mike McGraa grabbed another brace in their 2-1 triumph over a Newton side who went in front in the 12th minute through Martin Foy but who ended the contest with 10 men. Marine Reserves fashioned a 3-1 win at the expense of struggling Ellesmere Port, John Connelly,2, and Kevin Hill being the men on the mark for Marine and Christleton [Adam Thelwell-Wilson,2] shared 4 goals with Mossley Hill Athletic [Kurt Sherlock, Yusuf Malik].
Top marksman of the day was Manor Athletic’s Andy Kingham who went nap as his side routed Division 2 basement boys Mersey Royal, 7-1. Chris Tolley and Graham Williams supplemented Manor’s win with Ryan Youds hitting Royal’s reply. There was an important three points for West Kirby Reserves as they battle to avoid the relegation trapdoor. James Atherton claimed the game’s only goal against a Helsby side who have faded badly after a promising start. Richmond Raith Rovers [Bradley Thompson, Robert Madine, Steve Jay] were on the right side of an odd goal in 5 success at Prescot Cables Reserves [Ryan Pickles, Sam Gifford] and Paul Lindfield obliged for Heswall Reserves as they ran out 2-0 victors over Beb Athletic. John Hedges registered a hat trick and Christian Stewart a brace when Mallaby overcame Marshalls 5-0 in the Haworth and Gallagher Bowl.
Widnes Town returned to winning ways in Division 3 as 4 goal Paul Cliff spearheaded their 5-0 victory over South Liverpool Reserves while Kevin Campbell and Ben Crossley posted for Beb Athletic Reserves as they overcame Neston Nomads, 2-0.
Hale Reserves and Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves each lost interest in the Liverpool FA Intermediate Cup with Hale going down 2-0 at the hands of Northpark United and despite Brian Agnew, 2, and Paul Wells finding the net; Mossley suffered a 5-3 reversal against Railway. Blacon YC player manager Aiden Shannon led by example by firing a hat trick as his side routed Chester Celtic when hitting 6 goals without reply in the Chester Senior Cup but in the Chester Challenge Cup, Upton AA Reserves were on the wrong end of a 7-0 scoreline at the hands of Lache. Halton and West Cheshire Youth Compettition action saw Beechwood Athletic bounce back from last week’s heavy defeat to trounce Brookvale United, 9-0, and a solitary strike by Andy Kavanagh for Gateacre was enough to defeat South Liverpool. Vauxhall Motors [Dan McLoughlin, Jack Roberts, Aaton Tootle] defeated Custys 3-1 and Cromwell Athletic drew 1-1 with Ramsbottom United.