WEST Cheshire League’s representative side safely negotiated their FA Inter-League Preliminary Round hurdle, but it took extra time before they emerged 3-1 victors over the Manchester League.

Cameron Dalton stabbed home the West Cheshire’s opening goal on 59 minutes before the visitors levelled the issue five minutes later through substitute Sam Noar.

Five minutes into extra time and the West Cheshire regained the lead via Sean Weaver before Danny Cross made it 3-1 with a fine finish in the second half.

On the domestic scene, Blacon FC’s relegation fears were eased, after they posted an excellent 3-0 win over Newton, inspired by a smart double from Stewart Camperman.

Ross Broadbent was the other marksman as the Chester outfit eased their way clear of the relegation zone. Local rivals Upton AA were less fortunate on the day, and capitulated 2-0 to an opportunist double from Mallaby’s Connor Cavanagh.

A rampant Hale turned the screw on West Kirby and had three-goal Wayne Smith on top of his game in Saturday’s 7-0 triumph.

Further goals from Josh Doran (2), Brad Williams and Graham Friday completed the scoreline.

Promoted Division Two leaders Rainhill Town edged nearer the title with a 6-1 win against West Kirby Reserves, highlighted by doubles from Matt Dooloing and Ryan Burke.

Nearest rivals Heswall stayed in contention for the other promotion spot after they beat Bebington Athletic 3-0 courtesy of a goal apiece from Greg Drummond, JP Wheadon and Tommy Carroll.

A solitary effort from Jacob Lewtas earned Vauxhall Motors Reserves the nod over Prescot Cables Reserves, while Willaston were indebted to a Squeak Clarkson effort and an own-goal for their 2-1 verdict over Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves.

Honours were shared after a goal from Redgate Rovers’ Paul Leamy was negated by a reply from Marshalls’ Andrew Cavanagh.

In Division Three, Tom Johnstone was the star of the show after his impressive hat-trick steered West Kirby Youth into the Youth Plate semi-finals at the expense of Chester Nomads Youth following a 3-2 nail-biter.

Two-goal Alex Griffiths was joined on the scoresheet by Dave Mee as South Liverpool Youth defeated Custys by the same margin.

In another goal-packed spectacle, goals from Lewis Colton(2) Adam Brookes and Josh Jessop tipped the balance as Litherland Remyca Youth beat Ellesmere Port Youth 4-3.

The quartet of semi-finalists was completed by Belfry Youth who overcame Vauxhall Motors Youth 2-0 with efforts from Tom Brady and Aston Browning.