CONSISTENT performers, Maghull, edged a step nearer to lifting the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One title for the first time, following their hard fought 2-0 decision over relegation threatened Chester Nomads.

James McGrane and Lee Tynan., found the net, as the runaway leaders increased their advantage at the top to sixteen points, writes Ernie McDonald.

Free scoring fourth-placed Hale, boosted their goal tally some more, when a four goal salvo from Wayne Smith holed Cammell Laird Res. below the waterline.

Brad Williams, Sean Wright and Carl Latham also netted in Saturday's 7-2 rout, but despite a goal from Kyle Williams, Ashville forfeited ground, after Vauxhall Motors Res. equalised via Danny Morris.

Languishing in the relegation zone , but with the second best defensive record in the division, Mallaby came away with a precious point, from a dour 0-0 stalemate with Upton AA.

Efforts from Richie Foulkes, Andy Moran and Jay Thompson were enough, as Heswall returned to winning ways, courtesy of a 3-2 victory over local rivals, Newton, who had Danny Murphy (2) in reply.

Respective marksmen in Southport Trinity's 2-2 draw with Christleton, were Tom Hughes, Danny Boyle, Joe Douglas and Josh Williams.

Elsewhere, a smart double from Liam Casey, was supplemented by further efforts from Tom Murray and Matty Bowe, as West Kirby savoured a 4-1 win against Chester visitors, Blacon YC.

Division Two leaders, Capenhurst Villa, stayed a point in credit, and were indebted to a Mike Banks double, for their 2-0 result at Prescot Cables Res. while nearest rivals, Manor Ath., maintained interest, after they won 1-0 at Bebington Ath., thanks to a solitary strike from Chris Tolley.

An understrength West Kirby Res. paid a heavy price against a rampant Richmond RR Mags, who had two four goal heroes in Joe Bligh and James English.

A Joe Connolly hat trick inspired Gateacre Village to a 5-2 win against Maghull Res, and Willaston escaped from the bottom two, after goals from Andy Noonan (2) Wayne Dowling and John Lloyd clinched a 4-2 win against Heswall Res.

Kyle Kelly, Sean Parrington, Ryan Hudson, Connor Murphy and Ben Percival all made the scoresheet, as Ashville Res. eclipsed Mersey Royal 5-0.

In Division Three, second placed Ford Motors closed the gap on the leaders to four points, after they beat Merseyside Police 3-0, with goals from Danny Tree, Dave McNab and Adam Daniels.

Four goal Dave Hodge stole the show, as Marshalls Res. top scored with an 8-1 blitz of Upton AA Res.

Kris Jones and Joe Kirk netted for Chrsitleton Res. in their 2-1 verdict over Belfry, but goals from Joe Imlach and Callum Johnson counted for nothing, after Chester Nomads Res. fell victim to replies from Kirby Town Railway's Terry Naylor, Josh Naylor and John Humphreys.

Saturday's Youth Division action saw third placed Mallaby Youth, with goals from Elliot Toner(2) and John Dowling, post a 3-2 win over South Liverpool Youth.

South's senior side were in action in the Liverpool CCFA Challenge Cup 4th round and came through with flying colours, after Adam Rood, Alex Woodcock and Tom Stewart obliged in the 3-2 victory over West Everton Xaviers.

Congratulations also to West Cheshire flag bearers, Mossley Hill Ath.Res. and Hale Res. who won their LCFA Junior Cup 4th round tussles against Salisbury Ath. and St. Helens Town Res. respectively.