INSPIRED by a smart double from ace marksman, Mickey McCann, Division One promotion chasers Bird FC, overcame Premier Division opposition, Caldan Solutions, and earned their passage into the Wirral Sunday League's Pyke Cup quarter-finals.

Kyle Williams was the other marksman in the 3-2 triumph as Joe Murphy's charges maintained their fine vein of form.

Division One rivals Lord Raglan paid the price after they went down 4-0 at home to 2009 finalists MSC Eastham, while strongly-fancied Euro Wirral had two-goal John Strange in fine fettle in a hard fought 2-0 result over Division Two minnows Neston.

John Gann scored twice, including a spectacular long-range effort, in helping Sportsmans Arms to a 5-3 decision over Wallasey Village. Further efforts from Kevin Oates Jnr Anthony Gibbons and Scott Gray completed the total.

In the tie of the round, Prenton Park and Sportsman's Victoria finished 1-1 after extra time before Prenton player-manager Davie Skille converted the winning penalty in the resultant shoot-out.

Sheridans Utd came a cropper after they lost 3-2 at Cetco Europe in the Wirral & District FA Sunday Junior Cup third round, and it was a similar tale of woe for Higher Bebington, who lost 4-2 on penalties, after their clash with Birkenhead YC had finished 2-2 after extra time.

On the positive side, The George carried the Wirral League's banner into the semi finals, after they won 4-2 on penalties against Ellesmere Port Sunday Leaguers, SCFC94.

Sunday's Premier Division action saw Kent FC continue their winning sequence thanks to a 4-1 result at Tixalls.

Steve English (2) Chris Carmichael and Ben Boylan hit the target for the winners.

It was the Liverpool outfit's fourth league win from five outings and elevated them to fifth place in the table.

Skipper Danny Wainwright took the plaudits, after his hat trick steered Groves Casuals to a 4-0 victory over TSF and into top spot for the first time this season. Mark Hampson was the other goal scorer for the Ellesmere Port visitors.

In Division One, leaders Peggy Gadflys played second fiddle at Shore Villa and suffered their second defeat of the season.

Two goals from Adam Coulls allied to further efforts from Danny Morgan and Mike Neish set Villa up for a deserved 4-2 victory. That result enabled Neston Nomads to take closer order in the race for the title and they duly took advantage after Mark Bentley, John Lloyd, Paul Ellison and Richie Foulkes netted in the 4-1 triumph at Towers.

Railway Meols' 3-2 verdict over Gladstone Athletic featured a perfect hat trick from Andy Wainwright, who celebrated with a goal from either foot and a thumping header.

At Ness Park, Wirral Athletic leapfrogged Sheridans and secured third place in Division Two, after they won 4-2 against Recession Bar. The brothers Thurgill, Wes and Victor, scored the visitors consolations.

A lone strike from Robbie Abelwhite, gave Ravenscroft the nod over Syncreon Automaotives while Bromborough won by the same margin at Birkenhead News thanks to an astute finish from Gary Cavanagh.