DIVISION Three minnows Neston Nomads sprang a major surprise after they posted a a superb 2-1 result at Cheshire Association leaguers, Middlewich Town, and secured their passage to the Cheshire County FA's Amateur Cup quarter finals.

Steve Chappell and Richie Foulkes were responsible for the goals as rank outsiders Nomads claimed a notable scalp.

Four other West Cheshire sides also progressed to the last eight and another upset saw Division One strugglers, Chester Nomads, pull the mat from under title chasing Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves, thanks to a solitary strike from Dan Lloyd.

In another all-West Cheshire plot, free-scoring team of the moment, Capenhurst Villa, accounted for Upton AA with Kyle Smith (2) Phil Strapp, Luke Eccles and Lewis Walters on target in Saturday's 5-0 triumph.

Joe Heath, Lee Gibson, Dave Bowe and John Strange found the net as West Kirby went through, after they eclipsed High Lane 4-1, while Newton savoured a tremendous 2-1 win at Cheshire Association leaders, Linotype Cheadle, courtesy of goals from Liam Smith and Jack McDowell.

It was a clean sweep for Wesr Cheshire youngsters playing in the Liverpool County FA Junior Cup second round, after Hale Youth, Custys and Maghull Youth progressed at the expense of Birkdale Utd, Myers and Stanley respectively.

On the domestic scene, South Liverpool's bid to go nine points clear at the top of Division One was foiled, when they finished 0-0 with bottom club, Ashville. Mark Owens and Luca Winterton struck for Mossley Hill Athletic in their fine 2-0 win at erratic performers, Vauxhall Motors, while Tom Ward (2)Gary Jones and Adam Collins netted for Helsby in their 4-1 success at Southport Trinity, who replied via Martin Wilson.

At Groves Sports & Social Club, Mallaby put in an excellent shift against Hale and were anchored to a 5-1 victory by doubles from Joe Conchie and John Hedges.

A thumping header from Darren Pinnington completed the scoring as Mark Toner's side returned to winning ways in style.

Division Two leaders Rainhill Town increased their lead at the top to five points, after goals from Colin Lynch (2) and Dave Monteith helped them to a 3-1 win at Prescot Cables Reserves, while nearest rivals Heswall had Chris McGowan and Ben Kearney on the mark, but forfeited ground after Gateacre Village hit back through Kevin Dickinson and Curtis Griffiths.

Colifa Kamara bagged both goals as third placed Richmond MAGS weighed in with a 2-1 result at Maghull Reserves, while West Kirby Res won by the same scoreline at Bebington Athletic.

Brenden McKrisken and James Stevenson scored for the winners.

Respective marksmen in Marshalls' 3-3 nail biter with Willaston were Vic Luby, Dan Forrester, Andy Cavanagh, Andy Noonan, Tommy Ashcroft and Squeak Clarkson.

The talking point in Division Three was Mersey Royal's first win of the season.

Doubles from Vinnie O'Toole, Matty Edwards and Darrell Karissa were supplemented by further efforts from Charlie Jones, Andy Owen, Ryan Youds and Philly Haywood, as the Royal romped home 10-2 against Everton PLH.

At the business end of the table, current leaders, FC St.Helens, toasted the efforts of three goal Callum Laird in their 3-2 win at Chester Nomads Res, who had George Jones and Jake Buckley in reply.

Second-placed Capenhurst Villa Res scored through Danny Higginson (2) Phil Quillam and John Wainwright.

It was a good day for promotion rivals, Bootle Res, who beat Heswall Res 3-0, with goals from Jackson Ellis, James McShane and Josh Hamilton.

Elsewhere, Steve Millington (2), Dale Higham and Mike Stubbs made the score sheet in Upton AA Res.' 4-2 decision over Marshalls Res.