DESPITE a brace of opportunist goals from Matty Johnson and a Gaz Gerrard effort, Helsby's progression in the Cheshire County FA Amateur Cup was curtailed, after rival Carlsberg West Cheshire Division One outfit Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves turned a 3-1 deficit into a breath taking 5-3 second round victory.

Inspired by two goal James Clare, the Shipbuilders completed the job thanks to further strikes from Carl Murphy, Ben Holmes and substitute, Danny Dixon.

It was an excellent day for the Chester based West Cheshire clubs who were all successful on the day.

Goals from Adam-Thelwell Wilson and Chris Melia anchored Upton AA to a 2-1 win against Hyde Reserves, while Blacon YC's Blake Peters struck twice in the 4-0 eclipse of Unicorn Athletic and Chester Nomads went through, after Simon Andrews plundered an extra-time winner in hard fought 2-1 result at Mallaby.

Four-goal Kyle Smith was too hot to handle for Ashville, who suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Capenhurst Villa.

It was curtains for cup holders, Vauxhall Motors who had two-goal Mike McGraa on target, but went down 3-2 at Cheshire Association League leaders, Knutsford.

West Kirby's 4-2 triumph over last season's finalists, Stockport Georgians, was confirmed by a goal apiece from Jason Bull, Chris Bowe, Josh Baxter and Joe Heath.

It was hats off to Division Three representatives, Neston Nomads, who took the scalp of seasoned Cheshire Cup side Old Altrinchamians

Richie Foulkes (2) and Paul Ellison netted in the 3-2 success, but Mersey Royal were left cursing their luck after going out on penalties to High Lane.

Elsewhere, Newton romped home 6-0 at Sandbach Utd, but a Ben Kearney effort failed to prevent Heswall from losing 2-1 to Broadheath Central.

On the domestic scene, Division One leaders, South Liverpool, were indebted to goals from Cameron Dalton and Tommy Kinsella for Saturday's 2-1 win at Hale which enabled the Jericho Lane side to go four points clear at the top.

In Division Two, Redgate Rovers' promotion bid was short circuited by Vauxhall Motors Reserves, who brought the visitors' six match unbeaten run to an end, when Dan Norris, Mark Lowe and Tom Craig obliged in a narrow 3-2 victory.

Willaston eased their way clear of the relegation zone, after they beat Marshalls 5-1, with goals from Andy Noonan (2), Billy New, Squeak Clarkson and Adam Winstanley.

Bottom club, West Kirby Reserves were left still in search of their first win of the season, after they provided Mossley Hill Ath. Res. with their fourth win on the trot.

Luke Wynne (2) and Dave Kelly scored in Saturday's 3-0 triumph.

Ashville Reserves won by the same scoreline at Prescot Cables Res, highlighted by a John Pomfret hat trick.

Youth Division leaders South Liverpool Youth saw their 100% record go down the pan after they capitulated 5-3 at nearest rivals, Custys, who found the net via Elliott Nevin (2), Rhys Hardacre, Leighton Smith and Joslan Woods.

Belfry Youth top-scored when Dean Denson bagged a hat trick in the 11-2 win at Hale Colts.

Liverpool County FA Junior Cup second round successes included Belfry, Hale Res, Maghull Res. and Kirkby Town Railway who eliminated Bickerstaffe, Southport Trinity Res, Boilermakers Arms and Sutton Heath respectively.