Carlsberg West Cheshire League round-up with Ernie McDonald

CAMMELL Laird, Carlsberg West Cheshire League Division One leaders, relinquished their grip on the Wirral FA Senior Cup, on Saturday, and were left with egg on their faces after losing 1-0 at home to Division Two promotion chasers, West Kirby.

The Marine Park club, who last won the competition in 1981, struck the woodwork in the first-half and deservedly claimed their place in the semi-finals thanks to a second-half penalty by Martin Beattie.

Six times winners Heswall were immediately installed as favourites to win the trophy, following their comfortable 3-0 result at Castrol Social, endorsed by a fine double from Peter McNulty and a rare goal by Paul McGregor.

Also into the last four are 1962 winners, Ashville, who put Newton in the shade, Neil Wenham bagging a super hat-trick in a 5-0 rout. Mike Rimmer and Stuey Quinn were the other marksmen.

Mallaby, making their first appearance in the competition, completed the quartet of semi-finalists - a stunning 61st minute strike by Chris Barrow clinched a 1-0 victory over Vauxhall Motors' Reserves.

On the county scene, Runcorn side Pavilions beat Upton AA on penalties after finishing 2-2. They now face Heswall in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup semi-finals.

Saturday's Division One action saw MANWEB erode Laird's advantage at the top of Division One to a single point, Lee Welsh, Aaron Rae and Bert Cringle obliging in the 3-0 eclipse of Shell.

Third-placed Poulton Victoria also took closer order after romping home 7-1 against bottom club Helsby. Mike Riley, 3, Craig Cartwright, Anthony Fry, Shaun Leatt and Anthony Sheehan applied the finishing touches.

Goals by Neil Atkinson, 2, and Paul Lacey were enough as Vics' second string emerged 3-2 victors at Aintree Villa Reserves (Joe Graney, Darren Kenny) to go 11 points clear at the top of Division Two.

Graham Maher and Joey Harrison plundered the goals to give Maghull Reserves a fine 2-1 decision over second placed Cammell Laird Reserves, while goals by Robbie Gerrard and Davie McDermott helped New Brighton to a 2-2 draw with promotion rivals Blacon YC.

At the other end of the table, 16-year-old Joey Knox netted his fifth goal in the last three games as Mersey Royal savoured a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Manor Athletic. Lee Patterson joined Joey on the scoresheet, while Lee Williams hit Manor's lone reply.

Heswall Reserves' 3-1 victory at Merseyside Police featured strikes by Steve Thompson, Mickey Phillips and Tyrone Brookes. Ian Lewis hit the Bobbies' consolation.

Division Three leaders Ashville Reserves raced five points clear at the top of the table, after goals by Adam Johnson, Peter Simon and Robbie Black secured a 3-1 success at Newton Reserves.

Title favourites FC Pensby, unbeaten away from home in the league since last August, slipped into second place after a narrow 2-1 verdict at St Werburgh's, Owen Davies and Carl Tatler finding the net.

Mike Mosedale, 2, and Lee Cairns were the hot-shots as Willaston triumphed 3-0 at West Kirby Reserves, while Shaftesbury pulled clear of the bottom three with a 4-1 home win over Manor Athletic Reserves (Danny Christian). Andy Jones and Paul Adams each scored twice for Shaftesbury.