AFTER finishing runners-up to South Liverpool in the race for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One title, Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves denied the Jericho Lane outfit a league and cup double, after they emerged 2-1 victors following Friday's absorbing Pyke Cup final at Vauxhalls.

It was the Shipbuilders' 11th success in the competition and gave them some solace after the unfortunate Kris Hesketh suffered a broken leg during the contest.

The newly crowned champions were soon into their stride and controlled the game for the first 15 minutes but it was Lairds who drew first blood, and went in front against the run of play on 21 minutes, after a a pin point corner from James Clare was headed home at the far post by Chay Dysart.

The second period saw South renew their quest for an equaliser, but their hopes were dashed shortly before the hour mark, when a free kick fell invitingly for Ben Holmes who blasted the ball past 'keeper Mass.

After play was resumed following the injury to Hesketh, South mounted another assault on the Lairds goal and were back in the game after ace marksman

Alex Woodcock reduced the deficit via a crisp finish. There ended the scoring however, as the Laird's rearguard held firm and saw out time for a memorable victory.

In the South Sefton derby played at Prescot Cables last Thursday, it was Bootle Res. who took the honours and lifted the West Ceshire Shield for the first time, after Jackson Ellis applied the finishing touch on 75 minutes to deny local rivals, Belfry.

Chester outfit, Blacon YC, performed their own version of the great escape after they turned a 2-0 deficit against West Kirby into a 3-2 victory and thereby preserved their Division One status for another season.

The Cheshire County FA Amateur Cup winners went in 2-0 up at the interval courtesy of a goal apiece from Lee Butterworth and Louis Morgan, but the second half told a different story, as Blacon battled tooth and nail to get back into the contest and their efforts were rewarded after they hit back through Ross Broadbent, Kevin Garland and a dramatic winner from Aiden Shannon.

The result was enough for Blacon to survive at the expense of fellow strugglers, Southport Trinity.

Youth team starlet, Dave Mee, made an appearance for South Liverpool in Monday's fixture against West Kirby, and repaid his manager's faith after he netted his side's second goal in a 4-0 triumph.

Nick Walker, Alex Woodcock and Cameron Dalton were the other marksmen. Danny Coyle, Dale Higham and Steve Rowlands obliged for Upton AA in their 3-0 eclipse of Capenhurst Villa, who were on the receiving end for the fifth game in suucession.

Two nights later and it was six, after a goal from Liam McDowell sealed a closely fought contest in Newton's favour.

Key games this week see Vauxhall Motors and Mallaby contest the Wirral & District FA Senior Cup final at Cammell Laird on Wednesday, May 6, kick-off 7pm, while Upton AA and Chester Nomads lock horns on Thursday May 7, at Chester FC in the Chester & District FA's Senior Cup final. 6.30 pm.

On Friday, May 8, another season concludes as Division Two champions, Rainhill Town, line up against runners-up Heswall in the Haworth & Gallagher Bowl final, 7pm, at Cammell Laird.