HALE assumed pole position as clubs jostled in the race for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One title, following back-to-back victories over Southport Trinity in midweek and Saturday's fine 2-1 result at reigning champions Heswall.

Richie Foulkes netted for the hosts, but it was the visitors who profited, courtesy of a goal apiece from Phil McGann and Anthony Gray.

West Kirby carried off the first silverware of the season after they beat South Liverpool on penalties following a 4-4 stalemate in the Bill Weight Memorial Trophy final.

But after opening their league programme with a 1-1 draw at Cammell Laird Reserves, the Marine Park challengers went down 3-1 at home to Chester outfit Christleton.

Adam Thelwell Wilson (2) and Josh Williams obliged for the Swans, who occupy second spot on goal difference.

Goals from Jonathan Atkinson and Jonathan Strange, guided third placed Cammell Laird Reserves to a 2-0 decision over Chester Nomads, while respective marksmen in Upton AA's 1-1 draw with Newton, were Nathan Mapletoft and John Murphy.

Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Heswall failed to dampen Vauxhall Motors Res.' spirits, after the Motormen hit back with a 3-1 triumph at Southport Trinity.

Peter Banasko was a two goal hero, and Maghull won by the same scoreline at South Liverpool, with Danny Dillon, James McGrane and Mikey Dixon on target.

Ashville's 3-2 eclipse of Blacon YC was confirmed by efforts from Lee Hammond, Lee Bridge and Kyle Kelly. The visitors replied via Kevin Garland and Kingsley Barlow.

In Division Two, Maghull Reserves went top after a Dave Hughes hat-trick sparked their 5-2 victory over Mersey Royal.

Sam Gifford was another three goal star, who shone in Prescot Cables Reserves' 4-1 rout of Richmond RR Mags, but a smart double from Tom Jones counted for nothing after Heswall Reserves capitulated 4-2 at newly-promoted Redgate Rovers, who sealed the win, thanks to goals from Craig Blackwell (2) Craig Stirling and Ben Helme.

A solitary strike from Neil McCarthy, anchored Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves to a 1-0 result at Gateacre Village, while two-goal Danny McLaghlan left his calling card after West Kirby Reserves triumphed 3-1 at Willaston.

Elsewhere, honours were shared, after a goal from Manor Athletic's Andy Kingham was negated by a reply from Helsby's Danny Cummins.

Saturday's Division Three action saw Capenhurst Villa Reserves and newcomers Kirkby Town Railway savour goals aplenty after both sides scored seven times.

Jamie Johnson (2) Phil Quilliam, Mike Fawson, Tom Hockley, Kris Jones and Damian McGinnigle found the net as Cape romped home 7-0 at Merseyside Police, while Kirkby's 7-1 success at Neston Nomads was confirmed by efforts from Josh Naylor (2), Dean Kenny, Lee McCormick, Tom Morgan, Glen Lamb and Joe Riley.

Kai Stockton's brace inspired Chester Nomads Reserves to a 4-2 win at Marshalls Reserves and Hale Reserves' Colin Mee went one better with a hat-trick in Saturday's 4-2 verdict over Bootle Reserves.

Despite an Alex McCracken double, debutants, Ford Motors suffered a 4-2 defeat to South Liverpool Reserves. Curtis Cummins (2), Jay Welsh and Francis Evans scored for the victors.