Carlsberg West Cheshire League with Ernie McDonald

POULTON Victoria torqued up their challenge for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One title by posting a 2-0 victory over Newton. Kevin Davies and Kevin Thompson bagged the goals, as the consistent Wallasey club opened up a six point lead at the top.

An eighth title success is now firmly within the grasp of Steve Leyland's charges. Their credentials were enhanced after two of their principal challengers failed to deliver . . .

Second-placed West Kirby couldn't breach a resilient Mallaby rearguard in a tense battle which finished 0-0 at Marine Park. The visitors rode their luck in the last 20 minutes, as West Kirby pressed for the winner, but, following a quick counter attack, it was Mallaby who came closest to breaking the deadlock when a Mark Bishop effort rebounded to safety off the crossbar in the 88th minute.

Fourth-placed Vauxhall Motors Reserves also struggled to make headway, following a 1-1 stalemate with Merseyside Police. Ian Wallace netted for the Motormen, and, ironically, former Vauxhall player Chris Killen was on the mark for the Bobbies.

While Division Two leaders Maghull Reserves had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Halton, nearest rivals Upton AA closed the ground with a crucial 3-2 win at Ashville Reserves. Ollie Robinson, Martin Gaulton and Mike Gerrard were the marksmen. Gordon Harrison and Danny Sherratt scored Ashville's consolations.

An Owen Davies strike and an own goal were enough for FC Pensby to edge a 2-1 decision over Willaston, while two goals from Ian Burrows anchored Poulton Victoria Reserves to a 3-2 result at Helsby.

Elsewhere, Chris Bollard struck twice and was joined on the score sheet by Peter McNulty and John Paul Stanhope, as Heswall Reserves savoured a 4-0 victory over MANWEB.