Hale Res win in only game of the day

CARLSBERG WEST CHESHIRE A.F.L.
MATCH ROUND UP W/E 15.2.14
In the worst week yet for postponements, only one game escaped the appalling weather. Hale Reserves were able to stage their 3rd Division fixture against Belfry and took the opportunity to strengthen their promotion hopes thanks to a convincing 7-1 victory. The hosts threw off the disappointment of the previous weeks’ Liverpool Junior Cup exit at the semi-final stage and were soon in their stride scoring two early goals. They went on to lead 5-0 at the break against opponents who never gave up and who were the 1st to find the net in the 2nd period. Two further successful strikes by Hale wrapped up the win with Stuart Cornfoot leading the way with a smart hat trick. Phil McDiamid bagged a brace and Colin Mee and Jimmy Eves completed the tally as Michael Ordish netted the consolation.
Two of Saturdays’ postponed Pyke Cup ties have been re-arranged for Tuesday [18th] with a switch of venues ;- Ashville v West Kirby & Vauxhall Motors Reserves v Mallaby with both games kicking off at 7.30 p.m.
The high number of postponements in 2014 necessitates that some clubs are facing a backlog that will require them playing midweek fixtures towards the seasons’ end. One club who are well ahead with their fixtures though is Division 1 leaders Maghull. Jose Mourinho has recently been referring to the Premier League title race in horse racing vein which if applied to the Carlsberg West Cheshire championship battle could only be described as a one horse affair, such is Maghulls’ dominance. Only a remarkable turn- around in fortunes could prevent them from claiming their 1st ever title. Matters are a lot less clear at the other end of the table with the relegation places being occupied by Upton AA and Mallaby. Surprisingly one place above them are last years’ champions Heswall whose cause hasn’t been helped by the recent departure of ace marksman Richie Foulkes to Cammell Laird’s Evo-Stik set up. Meanwhile a clutch of sides up to Vauxhall Motors Reserves in 7th position, are looking over their shoulders with some anxiety.
The battle to replace the eventual unsuccessful duo from Division 1 is probably being played out by 4 teams. Current leaders and divisional top scorers are Richmond Raith Rovers Mags who have scored an amazing 38 goals in their last 5 outings, with Gateacre Village in 2nd spot and who are looking for consecutive promotions. Third placed Capenhurst Villa have lost just once in the League and having defeated four Division 1 sides this season in cup competitions are probably seen as favourites but are faced with a heavy backlog of games. With just 2 wins in 6 games 4th placed Helsby have stumbled recently but are by no means out of the promotion picture. Mersey Royal, to date have collected only a meagre 2 points and are some way adrift at the bottom of the table with West Kirby Reserves and Willaston the teams in the biggest danger of ending the campaign in the penultimate place. Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves, with games in hand, Redgate Rovers and Heswall Reserves will be well aware that a sudden positive surge in form by those below them, leaves themselves with no room for complacency.
Four of the top 5 positions in Division 3 are occupied by teams new to the League this season. Rainhill Towns’ opening day defeat at the hands of St. Helens Reserves is now a distant memory after remaining undefeated in the 21 subsequent games as they occupy top spot with no fewer than 98 goals under their belt. Some 13 points behind in 2nd place are Ford Motors with the same number of games played while close behind, and with games in hand, are Hale Reserves the aforementioned St. Helens Town Reserves, Bootle Reserves and South Liverpool Reserves. The scramble to avoid re-election features basement boys Merseyside Police as well as Upton AA Reserves, Christleton Reserves, Neston Nomads and Marshalls Reserves.
The high quality and competitive Youth Division features a battle royal at the top between Vauxhall Motors Youth and Bootle Youth which will probably go down to the wire.