THE weather played havoc with the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's fixture programme last weekend but, fortunately, artificial playing services came to the rescue and housed six of the seven games which managed to get under way.

Mossley Hill Athletic were elevated to third place in Division One, but had to come from behind to overturn a resilient Neston Nomads 2-1, after the hosts had stolen a march, thanks to a fine opener from Jake Hulley, with just six minutes on the clock.

Nine minutes after the interval, it was 1-1 after Elliot Hughes headed home from a left wing cross and the same player savoured the last laugh, after he capitalised on a defensive blunder and slotted home with 10 minutes remaining.

That man, Sam Spridgeon, maintained his goal scoring purple patch with another fine double, as Chester outfit Upton AA made it four wins on the bounce, after they posted a 3-0 result at Richmond Raith Rovers.

A further effort from Chris Melia completed the statistics.

A double from Hale's Louis Ruddock was cancelled out by replies from Rainhill Town Res' Ashley Elliot and Lloyd Roberts, as Saturday's Haworth & Gallagher Bowl second-round tussle went into extra-time.

In the only game palyed on grass, the scoreline remained unaffected, before Hale went through after they won 4-2 on penalties.

In another stalemate, last season's finalists, Prescot Cables Res had James Purcell on target before Shaun Weaver equalised for Capenhurst Villa, who then secured their passage to the last four, courtesy of an extra time winner from Lee Ludgate.

Saturday's West Cheshire Shield second round action saw Wallasey side Poulton Royal give it their best shot, only to fall victim to a stunning strike from Page Celtic's Louis Ventre.

Doubles from Andy Rogers and Adam Smith anchored Mersey Royal to a 4-2 extra time victory over Neston Nomads Res, who had a 30-yarder from Joe Foster and a Ben Pearson effort in reply.

Cheshire Lines lifted the trophy last season before winning promotion to Division Two, and their reserve side signalled their intent to keep the Shield at the club after they romped home 6-1 against Redgate Rovers Res.

The win was confirmed by efforts from Conor Matthews, Mark Welsh, Mike Keeling, Karl Brown, Nathan Midghall and an own goal.

Andy Ravenscroft obliged with Refates' consolation.

This Saturday sees fourth-placed Ashville entertain unbeaten Vauxhall Motors, in Division One's match of the day at Villa Park, while Ashville's second string travel to current Division Two leaders, Hale.

Places in the Linerpool County FA Challenge Cup semi-finals beckon West Cheshire flag bearers Mossley Hill Ath, Richmond Raith Rovers and Maghull, who take on British Rail, Byrom and Custys respectively.

The same scenario also applies to Mossley Hill Ath Res, who face Alumni Res and Rainhill Town Res who meet Quarry Bank OB, with a place in the last four of the Lverpool County FA Junior Cup at stake.