EFFORTS from brothers Jack and Ross McDowell were supplemented by a Martin Watson penalty as third-placed Newton fashioned out a 3-1 result over Southport Trinity and upped the ante in the race for the League's Division One title.

Paul Tosney and Jack Ford obliged for second placed Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves, who dented Helsby's hopes in a 2-1 triumph at Kirklands. Kevin Patterson replied for the visitors.

Meanwhile, unbeaten South Liverpool threw down the gauntlet to their rivals once again and stayed six points in credit at the top, following Saturday's 4-0 eclipse of Blacon YC.

Andy Walker (2) Alex Woodcock and Gary Dunning netted for the leaders.

A superb hat trick from Nathan Mapletoft had the desired effect, as Upton AA overcame Vauxhalls Motors, who hit back via Mike McGraa and Jordan Brierley, before capitulating 3-2.

Mallaby recorded their fourth league win in succession and were elevated to eighth place after John Hedges plundered the game's only goal on 70 minutes against Chester Nomads.

Despite a goal from Andy Kingam, Heswall forfeited the chance to close the gap on current Division Two leaders, Rainhill Town, to a single point, after they finished 1-1 with promotion rivals Redgate Rovers. Dave Jones was on target for Rovers.

Long suffering West Kirby Reserves had double cause for celebration after they posted their first win of the season and escaped from bottom spot.

Callum Lloyd, Jeff Lemmert and Danny Green found the net in Saturday's 3-2 decision over Prescot Cables Reserves.

A solitary effort frrom Dom Gilchrist was enough after Richmond MAGS got the better of Willaston.

In Division Three a hat trick from Richie Foulkes inspired promotion outsiders, Neston Nomads, to a 5-1 victory over Marshalls Reserves.

Further efforts from Andy Cavanagh, John Lloyd and Steve Chappell completed the statistics.

Two-goal Luke Blondell was joined on the score sheet by Gordon Harrison as Heswall Reserves fought out a 3-3 stalemate with Capenhurst Villa Res, who responded through Phil Quillam (2) and John Wainwright.

John Thompson scored for Everton PLH but finished on the losing side, after third-placed FC St Helens pulled off a hard fought 2-1 result, courtesy of goals from Rob Marsh and James Morley.

Saturday's West Cheshire Shield first round action saw Bootle Reserves, with Jack Ellis, John Prescott and Jake Connor on the mark, progress after they overcame Mersey Royal 3-1.

Congratulations to Upton AA Reserves, who won through to the Chester Challenge Cup third round after they won 4-2 at Deva Athletic, with goals from Dale Higham(2) Mike Davidson and Dean Disley.

Well done also to West Cheshire flag bearers, Belfry, Hale Reserves and South Liverpool Res, who went through to the Liverpool County FA's Junior Cup fourth round after they accounted for St Michaels and Lark Lane, Rainford North End, and Halton Borough respectively.

South Liverpool Youth regained pole position in the race for the Youth Division title after doubles from Dave Mee and Alex Griffiths helped the to a 6-2 success at Belfry Youth.

Previous leaders, Custys, came unstuck after they went down 4-2 to Maghull Youth.

Three-goal Rory Stewart was the main man as Hale Youth savoured a 6-0 win at Hale Colts Youth.