Wirral Sunday League: Hat-trick hero Joel Dobbins takes Shore Villa to semi-finals (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral Sunday League: Hat-trick hero Joel Dobbins takes Shore Villa to semi-finals

2:20pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Sport By Ernie McDonald

A SUPERB hat-trick from Joel Dobbins was the talking point after strongly fancied Shore Villa secured their passage to the Wirral Sunday League's Senior Cup semi-finals at the expense of Astra Athletic.

Doubles from Mike Niesh and Mark Smith completed the statistics as unbeaten Division One leaders Villa romped home 7-2.

Inspired by evergreen defender Chris Smith, Riverside ground out a 2-1 result at Ravenscroft and had a contender for goal of the month in Danny Thurston's long-range effort. John Rathmill was the other marksman.

Gallagher’s also went through to the last four after Jay Little's fine double anchored them to a 5-2 triumph over Student Sixes.

Tyler Mellor, Mark Tolcher and Gary Windass also made the score sheet for the winners.

In the Premier Cup round robin format, consistent performers Neston Nomads were indebted to efforts from Nick Jones (2), Paul Ellison and Richie Foulkes for Sunday's 4-2 eclipse of Amazon Management.

Gary Robinson and Andrew Allen netted for the visitors, while goals from Dean Judge and Daniel Morley steered Kent FC to a 2-1 win against Victoria Seniors.

A rare goal from Paul Hughes, allied to a double from Liam Stephens were enough as MSC Eastham won 3-0 at Clarence.

Once again, the Challenge Cup provided its customary banana skin and in Sunday's second round clash it was Premier Division high fliers Tixall Prenton who copped it.

Division One promotion chasers Windmill emerged 4-3 victors, thanks to goals from Jamie Williams; Willy Williams and Willy Jones were also on target. Steve Rutter, Joel Taylor and Anthony Jones replied for Tixies.

In the third round, Ben Percival (2), Alan Cross (2), and young Eddie Hutchinson were on the mark as Sheridans won 5-1 at Eagle & Crown.

Towers' first round clash with Division Two minnows Forum Athletic ran true to form as the Premier side posted a 6-0 result. Goals from Dave Favager (2), Kyle Williams (2), Colin Tunstall and Ben Fitzpatrick confirmed the scoreline.

Division two title challengers Higher Bebington RBL, safeguarded their 100% record and made it 11 wins in succession after Aaron Buckley, Aaron Doyle and Jamie Feltham scored in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Port Sunlight, which saw the Legion leapfrog Champions Bar into second place.

Champs had Anthony Mallion on target but went down 2-1 to leaders  Lever Bushell Athletic.

Shaun Smith bagged both goals for LBA who hold a nine-point advantage at the top, but have played six more games than second-placed Legion.

Two goals from Stuey Hardman took his tally for the season to 31 as Bebington went third following a 4-2 victory over battling Bee Hive.

Chris Ballard and Carl Smith also scored for the winners, while James Lawler's first goal in five years and a Paul Fleckner strike made up Bee Hive's contribution.

Honours were shared after Gladstone Athletic finished 0-0 with Wirral Athletic.

Halfway House had cause for celebration after efforts from Andy Simpson (2), Johnny Cable and Joe Skinner clinched a 4-0 win over Star Ozzys.

The Wirral Sunday League has a limited number of vacancies for next season. Application forms can be obtained from league secretary Dave Lea by telephoning 0151 608 4332.