FOOTBALL returned to the league this weekend with the weather breaking long enough for the pitches to recover.

A full program was played in the Premier Division and Division One and all but two games in Divisions Two and the Vets Division.

Credit must be given to those clubs who agreed to play on 3G pitches through out the area with split kick off times.

The top of the CWFL Queensferry Sports Premier Division could not be closer with only two points separating the top four sides.

Birkenhead Town reclaimed top spot and are now on 29 points after a 7-0 win over Uberlube thanks to goals from Andrew Bolton (3), Mike Parnell (2), Ryan Atherton and Ray Thorne.

Ellesmere Port FC, Lache and Lodge Bar are all sitting on 27 points after their respective games.

Lodge Bar entertained Ellesmere Port and came away 4-3 winners thanks to a penalty save from keeper James Andrews and goals from Adie Callaghan (2) and Joe Yates.

Lodge lead 4-0 at halftime but a courageous second half come back from the Port took the game right to the wire.

Leon McGovern (2), Leon Whitley, Sam Buckley, Tommy Booth and Warren Kelly kept Lache in the leading pack all scoring in their 6-3 away win at Kelsall.

Steve Whittaker, Sam Telford and Neil Astbury were the Kelsall Marksmen.

James Barton and Lewis Woolley were on target for Higher Bebington Kelma in their 3-0 win over Shaftesbury Youth.

Christleton Celtic enjoyed a return to playing with a 8-4 win at Ellesmere Port Town Callum Blackley lead the way for Christleton with four followed by Ian Hughes (3) and Sam Robinson to cancel out goals by Lou Williams and Aaron Ceplis (3) for the Town.

Darragh O'Callaghan hit six for Deva in their 9-1 win over Whitby with further goals coming from Declan Jarrett, Lee Constantine and Dominic Kennedy.

Newton Athletic are still top of the CWFL Olympic Trophies Division One after a very close game with Neston Nomads Reserves.

A late winner from Marc Moorefield for Newton rubbed salt into the Neston wounds as they had previously missed two penalties during the game.

Blacon Thistle returned to winning ways with a 6-2 win over Cestrian Alex thanks to goals from Joe Henry (2), Chris Williams (2), Luke Jones and Tommy George.

It was also a big day for Blacon Thistle star player Sam Henry who played his first game for over 13 months.

His return will be a big boost for Thistle as they look to repeat their success of last season.

Paul Gunderson fired in a hat trick for Ashton as they beat Neston Town 7-1, their other scorers were Ryan Finch (2), Mark Hughes and Dean Rattcliffe.

Franklyn's are also on the march again. They entertained Lodge Bar Reserves and won 6-0 thanks to strikes from Mike Watson (3), Dave Swain (2) and Jack Ford.

Chester Nomads III travelled to Elton Athletic and secured a fine 1-0 win.

CWFL Link Up Division Two action now and in the divisions game of the day New Ferry Rangers knocked long time leaders Clubbies off top spot with an impressive 3-0 win, Adam Bagley and Ritchie Brown (2) their scorers.

Samba made the most of the slip by Clubbies and go top after seeing off Eastham Athletic 3-0 through goals from Ian Johnson, Phil Abraham and Jay Havey.

Orange Athletic move into the mid table places after seeing off Ellesmere Port Spartans 4-2, Tom Wilkinson, Dave Jacks, Stuart Drury and Ian Thomas their marksmen.

Woodchurch Athletic have now netted 20 goals in their last two games.

This week they beat Elton Rigger 10-0 with goals courtesy of James Harris (4), Lee Dermody (3), Tom Harris (2) and Robbie Bessel.

In the CWFL Doug Johnson Veterans Shield Scott Broadbent and Lee Highfield were both on target for Blacon Youth Vets in their 2-0 win over Frodsham Park Vets whist in the days other game Sean Fletcher hit a consolation for Plough Nets as they went down 3-1 at Tattenhall Vets.