IN the showdown for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division Three title, between second placed Helsby, and leaders, South Liverpool, it was celebration time for consistent performers, South, after they posted a 2-1 result, and clinched the championship at the first time of asking.

Adam Rood and Gary Pollard lay claim to the goals, as the title was secured with two games to spare.

Adam Hunter was on the mark for the hosts, who are still assured of Division Two football next season, despte the defeat.

Efforts from Mersey Royal's Mark Gray and Matty Langford were negated by a smart double from Phil Duncan, as visitors, Mossley Hill Ath. Res.' picked up a point and finished a creditable third.

Efforts from Capenhurst Villa Res.' John Lyth and Mike Fawson counted for nothing, after goals from Liam Donelly(2) and Paul Cupit sealed a 3-2 win for New Brighton Res.

Bottom club, Hale Res., were cock-a hoop after they won for the third time this season.

Sean Carlson, Fassilli Poza and Kieran Parker netted in Saturday's 3-2 eclipse of Neston Nomads, who had Jake Munroe and Jack Rowland in reply.

Following a 1-1 stalemate with Manor Ath, Hale's senior side won promotion to the top flight, but the Division Two title is yet to be decided, after second placed Ashville Res.' stayed in touching distance, after they won 3-2 at Richmond Raith Rovers, with goals from Paul Howell, Jay Clare and Peter Navarro. Young Darren Thomas was the star man, as goals in the last seven minutes from Gerrard Mullen and John Hedges, helped Mallaby to a 2-0 victory at Maghull Res, while Bebington Ath's promotion dream ended, after they capitulated 2-0 at home to goals from Capenhurst Villa's Graeme Davidson and Mike Urmston.

Marine Res' bid for the Division One runners-up medals went on the back burner, after they were held 1-1 at home by newly crowned champions, Ashville.

The only other side in contention to finish second, are Chester Nomads, whose fixture at Blacon YC was postponed, due to a waterlogged pitch.

Free-scoring Heswall celebrated a 6-1 rout of Vauxhall Motors Res, inspired by a fine hat trick from Ian Burrows, while Southport Trinity also had their shooting boots on, and blitzed West Kirby 5-1, with efforts from Andy Vernon(2) Phil Frankland, Paul Johnson and Kevin Frankland.

A solitary strike from Ben Harvey was enough as Ellesmere Port beat Maghull and the next time the two are set to renew acquaintances will be in the Pyke Cup final at Vauxhalls on Friday, May 4 (7pm).

The points were shared, after Willaston finished 2-2 with fellow strugglers, Marshalls but it was plain sailing for Christleton, who won 4-1 at Newton, highlighted by a Ronnie Morgan hat trick.

Best wishes this Saturday, go to Division One champions, Ashville, who will be in action on behalf of the Cheshire County FA against the West Riding FA in the Northern Counties FA Cup final at Vauxhalls (2pm) and on Tuesday (May 1) at Cammell Laird(7pm) it will be all systems go again for Ashville, as they lock horns with Heswall in the Wirral & District FA Senior Cup final.

Youth Division action saw Lower Breck Boys close in on the title, after they overcame leaders, Maghull 1-0 in midweek, and at the weekend, two goal Shaun Campbell left his calling card as the Breck Roaders won 5-3 at Helsby.