Round Up 30 April 2011

CARLSBERG WEST CHESHIRE AFL
WEEKLY REPORT – W/E 30th APRIL

West Kirby collected their 4th Carlsberg West Cheshire League title in 5 years after their 2-1 midweek victory at closest rivals Maghull. A large crowd saw the Seaside’s take the lead when defender Paul Connelly forced the ball home in the 18th minute following a free kick. Having played 2nd fiddle before the break Maghull were more of an attacking force in the 2nd period and only an outstanding save midway through the half by Kirby keeper Al-Sammarraie prevented an equalizer. The save took on greater significance just a minute later when Dave Forbes latched onto a through ball to volley the ball into the back of the Maghull net. A glancing header by Tom Foley with 15 minutes remaining gave the hosts renewed hope but West Kirby emerged victorious leaving their opponents as runners up and hoping to go one better when facing Newton in Friday nights Pyke Cup Final at Vauxhalls [7.00 p.m.]
Ashville went into Wednesday’s Wirral Senior Cup Final at Cammell Laird hoping to add to their 2nd Division Championship and Cheshire Amateur Cup trophies only for opponents Vauxhall Motors Reserves to have other ideas. A direct free kick courtesy of Phil Coffin gave The Motormen a 1-0 interval advantage which Anthony Ashton added to some 20 minutes into the 2nd period. In the closing stages Ashville’s James Locke crashed the ball home via the underneath of the crossbar but Vauxhalls were able to hang on to claim the trophy. Ashville will be looking for success in Wednesday nights Haworth & Gallagher Bowl final at Heswall [6.45 p.m.] when they face Capenhurst Villa.
Halewood Town completed the Youth Division League and Cup double by leapfrogging over Saturday’s opponents Maghull to claim the league title. Maghull had twice taken the lead but were handicapped by an injury to their keeper with the impressive Halewood outfit finally powering to a 4-2 success. Andy Bird, Tom Ryan, Connor O’Shea and Sam Sullivan were on target for Halewood while Thomas Jump and Liam Adlen registered for runners up Maghull. Two days earlier a long range Sam Sullivan effort after 25 minutes had settled the Plate final at Ashville with worthy opponents Belfry unable to pierce the strong Halewood rearguard.
Two goals in the space of 3 minutes saw West Kirby Reserves overturn a 1-0 deficit to retain the Wirral Amateur Cup on Easter Monday. Opponents AFC Bebington had gone ahead in the 24th minute thanks to a header from beyond the far post by Craig Graves and his side looked likely to add to their tally before Kirby turned the game on its head. With 10 minutes of the half remaining Ian Hobday leveled matters when finding himself clear of the Athletic defence to lob the ball home. Shortly afterwards a similarly executed goal by Adam Lea put Kirby in front and although they twice had to clear off the line in the 2nd half the cup remained with Jon White’s side.
Saturday’s fixtures saw West Kirby [Shay Dysart, Terry Cotgrave, Ryan Critchlow] edge out Southport Trinity [Tom Ferro,2,] by the odd goal in 5 while Maghull [Tom Foley, Paul Keenan, Danny Dillon] overcame Helsby [Adam Newbolt] 3-1, Heswall’s 2-0 win at Vauxhall Reserves courtesy of Owen Davies and Stuart McMullen saw them pip Helsby for 3rd place on goal difference. Chris Barrow and Rob Black both hit doubles as Ashville rounded off their league campaign with a 5-1 win at Mallaby while 3rd Division champions Runcorn Linnets Reserves had to wait until the last minute before Dave Jolley scored the game’s only goal against Merseyside Police. Runcorn’s opponents in Tuesday night’s Shield final at Vauxhalls [7.00 p.m.] are runners up Manor Athletic who were also single goal winners at Helsby Reserves where Chris Dunne did the honours.