Wirral Sunday League: Windmill in final (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral Sunday League: Windmill in final

9:38am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Sport By Ernie McDonald

WIRRAL Sunday League Division One promotion chasers, Windmill, secured their passage to the Wirral & District FA's Sunday Amateur Cup final, after they overcame Wallasey Leaguers The Clarence in extra time.

It was a spirited performance by the Windy, who triumphed 3-1, inspired by a Jamie Williams double and an effort from Owen McMahon.

On the minus side, it was curtains for plucky Division Two youngsters, Forum Ath., after a solitary penalty sealed their fate, in a hard fought Wirral & District FA Sunday Junior Cup semi-final against The Rakers.

Sunday's Challenge Cup second round action saw Division One side, Sheridans, pull off the result of the round after they ousted Premier club, Victoria Seniors, 4-3 in after extra time, with goals from Eddie Hutchinson (2), Ben Percival and Alan Cross. Vics replied via Alan Fowlie, Shaun Burgess and Dave Evans.

Liam Jameson struck twice for Gallaghers, who were on course for an upset against Premier Division leaders, Neston Nomads, until the cup favourites turned the tables with goals from Jamie Thomas, Richie Foulkes and a last gasp winner from Jamie Gardiner.

Higher Bebington RBL gave it their best shot against Kent FC and had Lee Dunn and Ryan Clayford on target, but the cup holders, produced a sting in the tail, and posted a 3-2 victory via Steve English, Jonathan Parkinson and Daniel Morley. In another see saw battle, Rob Major and Ben Winstanley put Wirral Ath. in the driving seat against Ravenscroft, who rallied to 2-2 before Wirral claimed a 3-2 decision 15 mins from time through, Alex Hennessy.

An Andy Wilson hat trick, allied to further efforts from Mike Newton (2), Steve Wilson and Mike Edge steered Eagle & Crown to a welcome 7-3 result over Student Sixes, while Joel Dobbins (2), Mike Neish and Mark Smith found the net, as last term's finalists, Shore Villa, progressed following a 4-1 triumph at Lever Bushell Ath. Joe Lloyd netted for the hosts.

Tixall Prenton achieved a 6-3 verdict over MSC Eastham in the Premier Cup round robin format as four goal John McGraa took the plaudits. Ryan Innes and Gary Parr were the other marksmen.

Hats off to Towers' prolific hit-man, Kyle Williams, who fired a five goal salvo, as the Wallasey challengers moved to within three points of leaders, Neston Nomads, in the race for the Premier Division title.

Sunday's 7-1 rout of Clarence, was completed by a Dave Favager double. Liam Murphy replied for Claries.

Doubles from Lee Kevland, Gary Clarke and John Rathnall anchored Riverside to an 8-0 win over Bronze, which saw their side climb to third place in Division One.

Paul O'Brien and Adam McHale also scored.

Second placed Champions Bar got off to a flier against promotion rivals Bebington in Division Two, after goals from Adam Bennett and Adam Threlfall gave them a two goal cushion, but the visitors had other ideas, and hit back via Stuey Hardman (3) Mark King (3) and Carl Smith to secure an 8-2 result.

Respective marksmen in Gladstone Ath.'s 3-3 stalemate with Halfway House, were Joe Evers, Alan McFarlane, Steve McGuiness, Kieran Neill, Sam Johnson and Tom Revell while Andy Comber bagged the game's only goal as Bromborough denied battling Star Ozzys.

The Wirral Sunday League has a limited number of vacancies for next season. Application forms can be obtained from the League Secretary, Dave Lea on 0151 608 4332.

Premier Division outfit, MSC Eastham, are still on the look out for players to improve their squad. Call the club secretary, Paul Gee on 0151-201 0942 or 07944968599 as soon as possible, for details and training arrangements.