ASHVILLE'S bid to return to the League's top flight as Division Two champions suffered a set back on Saturday after the Wallasey outfit capitulated 2-1 at current leaders, Marshalls, who went five points clear as a result.

The second-placed challengers faced an uphill task, after goals from Ryan Cullen and Jesse Daniels had put the hosts in the ascendancy, and although an effort from Mike Reynolds reduced the deficit, his contribution proved to be too little, too late.

Kirkby Town Railway hit the buffers after a solitary strike from Cameron McGann saw third-placed Mossley Hill Athletic bag all three points while long suffering Southport Trinity savoured an overdue victory with a 6-2 eclipse of Prescot Cables Res.

Goals from Abel Ferreria failed to prevent Bootle Res going down 3-2 at Vauxhall Motors Res.

Mike Hughes netted for Willaston, but it was Hale who profited 2-1.

Neston Nomads won by the same scoreline against South Liverpool Res. West Kirby Res beat Heswall Res 2-0.

In Division One, Elliot Toner gave Cammell Laird 1907 Res the lead against second-placed Rainhill Town who then produced their joker in hat-trick hero Colm Lynch.

A strike from Sam Gifford cemented a fine 4-1 win for the visitors. Title favourites, Newton beat Richmond Raith Rovers 3-2.

Heswall’s 3-1 victory over Capenhurst Villa, was confirmed by goals from Greg Drummond and Jake Garner, while honours were shared, after a Sam Manton effort from Chester Nomads, was negated by a reply from West Kirby’s James Law.

An own goal, allied to efforts from Chris Melia and Lee Guiardo were enough, as Nomads' neighbours, Upton AA, beat Vauxhall Motors 3-1.

An excellent contest between South Liverpool and Maghull was settled 3-2 in South's favour.

An Anthony Poole treble was supplemented by a goal from Craig Blackwell, as consistent performers, Redgate Rovers, celebrated a 4-1 victory at Helsby.

Ian Cox scored for the home side.

It was a day to forget for Helsby, whose reserve side were on the receiving end in their Division Three clash with Litherland Remyca Res who were inspired to a 15-0 triumph by six-goal Tom Foley, four-goal Alex Ryan and three goal Mark Barnes.

Leaders Rainhill Town stayed two points in credit in Saturday's 2-1 win at Redgate Rovers Res, but nearest rivals Ellesmere Port Town, maintained interest, a single goal from Greg Mills winning the day against Neston Nomads Res.

Mike Jeffs helped Chester Nomads Res to a 3-1 verdict at Mersey Royal.

Games between Ashville Res. and Upton AA Res, Cammell Laird 1907 DVLPMNT and City of Liverpool Res. and Capenhurst Villa Res' tussle with Marshalls Res all resulted in 1-1 stalemates.

Saturday’s Youth Division action saw Maghull Youth’s Oscar Pugh take pride of place, after his personal best ten goal haul anchored his side to an 11-1 blitz of Chester Nomads Youth.

Division Three promotion chasers, Cheshire Lines pulled the mat from under Division Two counterparts, Maghull Res with a 4-1 victory in the Liverpool County FA Junior Cup quarter finals.