MATCH ROUND UP W/E 28.4.12

Despite bad weather during the week forcing an extension to the League season, more important matters are now settled. Marine Reserves secured the Division 1 runners up spot after John Connelly, Rob Doran and Steve Gale obliged in the odd goal in five defeat of Christleton who had Adam Thelwell-Wilson as a 2 goal man. Having struggled for most of the campaign, Cammell Lairds Reserves are guaranteed Division 1 football next time round. In midweek Mike Purnell, Paul Tosney and Richie Owens netted in the 3-0 defeat of Newton while at the weekend Paul Hill and Jamie Kenyon were on the mark in the 2-2 draw with Marshalls who had Daryl Williams and Danny Connor responding. This result, coupled with Wednesday’s 2-1 reversal at the hands of Ellesmere Port [John Atkinson, Mike Kleinhorn], ensured that Marshalls, along with Willaston, will complete the campaign in the bottom 2. More misfortune fell Marshalls way on Saturday when Richard Jones sustained a broken leg against Lairds and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. Heswall’s extended winning run has seen them make a meteoric rise up the table into 3rd place and Monday’s 3-0 victory at Mossley Hill Athletic, featuring goals from Matt Johnson, Robbie Abblewhite and Chris Lea, was backed up at the weekend when a Richie Foulkes hat trick spearheaded their 3-1 win at Vauxhall Motors Reserves.
Ashville failed in their attempt to lift the Northern Counties Senior Cup when representing Cheshire FA in the final against West Riding FA who were represented by Bay Athletic FC. Although creating the greater number of chances Ashville were unable to break down a well organized defence and when Bray launched a last minute attack Sam Jerome was on hand to net the game’s only goal. Ashville keeper Aiden Dickenson was then shown a red card for dissent and sadly, disgraceful scenes ensued with players and staff of both teams involved in a fracas that resulted in another two red cards being produced.
In Division 2, Ashville Reserves have emulated their senior side by gaining the top spot following their 5-1 demolition of table trailing Marshalls Reserves. Peter Wright led the way with a double while Paul Howell, Ben Holmes and Mike Randles also found the net. Matty Earp and Stuart Smith were the marksmen as 4th placed Beb Athletic spurned the chance to leapfrog New Brighton when they could only share the spoils with Richmond Raith Rovers [Danny Williamson, John Garner]. Third Division champions South Liverpool completed their programme with successive 4-0 triumphs at the expense of Mersey Royal on Monday and Chester Nomads Reserves on Saturday. Fellow promoted side Helsby were also in free scoring form as Monday’s 5-1 success over Neston Nomad’s was added to by a 6-1 trouncing of Merseyside Police at the weekend. Neston’s defeat, coupled with Ellesmere Port Reserves 5-4 midweek victory at Police, in which John Atkinson grabbed a treble, sees them join Hale Reserves in the Division 3 re-election zone.
Lower Breck Boys collected the first of a possible three trophies on Tuesday when they lifted the Bill Graham Youth Plate as a result of their 1-0 victory over South Liverpool in the final held at Prescot Cables F.C. The all important goal of a well fought contest, arrived in the 28th minute when Shaun Campbell out jumped his marker at the far post before heading home. The Youth Division title will be decided on Monday when any reward for Breck in their game against Hale will see them become champions with a win for Hale sending the title to Maghull.
In a busy week the following cup finals take place, all kicking off at 7.00 p.m. :-
Tues. 1st May - Complete Focus Shield Helsby v Mossley Hill Ath Res @ Runcorn Linnets
Weds 2nd May–Haworth & Gallagher Bowl Heswall Res v Runcorn Linnets Res @ Vauxhalls
Thurs 3rd May – Liverpool FA Youth Cup Hale v Lower Breck Road @ Liverpool FA H.Q.
Fri 4th May – Pyke Cup Ellesmere Port v Maghull @ Vauxhalls