RUNAWAY Division One leaders Maghull stayed 21 points clear of the chasing pack when Rob Dutton bagged the game's only goal to deny battling Newton.

Nearest rivals Hale continued to tick over after they won 4-3 at Vauxhall Motors, courtesy of goals from Wayne Smith (2), Chris Piercy and Brad Williams.

Third-placed Ashville celebrated a 4-0 victory over Mossley Hill with Timmy Bigland (2) Kevin Fitzsimmons and James Clare on the mark.

Heswall slipped to second to bottom after they fell victim to a goal from Christleton's Adam Thelwell-Wilson, while Upton AA's determination to survive showed through when Chris Dunning struck in the 1-0 win against Southport Trinity.

A Kevin Garland effort, allied to an own-goal were enough as Blacon YC savoured a precious 2-1 win over West Kirby; and it was celebration time for local rivals, Chester Nomads who overcame Cammell Laird Reserves 4-0, inspired by a fine hat-trick from Jack Delgado.

Paul Sweeney was the other marksman. In the Division Two promotion race, second placed Gateacre Village - with goals from Joe Connolly and Scott Willis - secured a 2-0 result over West Kirby Reserves.

Manor Athletic won by the same scoreline at Mossley Hill; three-goal Andy Kingan was the main man.