CAMMELL Laird 1907 Reserves eroded South Liverpool's lead at the top of Division One to three points, after they came out on top in a close encounter with relegation-threatened Southport Trinity.

Saturday's victory was confirmed by efforts from Greg Drummond, Danny Dixon and Josh Dures as the Shipbuilders posted their ninth win of the season.

Ben Purdue and Connor Ellis-Pratt netted for the visitors.

Third-placed reigning champions, Maghull, had Tom Wharton and Mike Cummins on target, in their 2-0 eclipse of Upton AA.

Simon Thelwell gave Capenhurst Villa the lead with an astute finish against Mallaby, before the visitors equalised via a stunning free kick from Elliot Toner.

Honours were shared after efforts from Mossley Hill Athletic's Yusuf Malik (2) and Tom McNamara were negated by replies from West Kirby's Jon Strange (2) and Lee Gibson.

Elsewhere, a solitary effort from Simon Andrews earned maximum spoils for Chester Nomads in their hard fought tussle with relegation rivals, Ashville.

Helsby's Pyke Cup first round clash with Blacon YC was settled 3-1 in the home side's favour, courtesy of goals from Gaz Gerard, Matty Johnson and Gary Jones. Alex Jones made the scoresheet for the Chester outfit.

Rainhill Town's 3-0 decision over Willaston kept the Division Two leaders five points in credit at the top, followed by Heswall, who celebrated a 5-3 victory over Maghull Reserves with goals from Ben Kearney(3), Andy Kingam and Jon Paul Lewis.

Dom Gilchrist (2), Colifa Kamara, Richie King and Isaac Beckford found the net for third-placed Richmond MAGS who romped home 6-1 at Marshalls, but there was a dearth of goals at Villa Park, where Ashville Reserves fought out a 0-0 stalemate with Gateacre Village.

A smart double from Brendan McKrisken counted for nothing, after West Kirby Res. capitulated 4-2 to replies from Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves Paul Wells, Jordan Billsborough, Callum Woods and Mike Swift.

Division Three leaders, Kirkby Town Railway, afforded little mercy to Marshalls Reserves, who paid a heavy price after a John Humphreys hat trick sparked the hosts to an 8-0 result.

Ford Motors' Anthony Lyons went one better, when he fired a four goal salvo in helping his side to a 7-0 win against Mersey Royal, and three-goal Alan Bond left his calling card, as Chester Nomads Reserves triumphed 4-1 at Everton PLH.

Despite a goal from Callum Laird, FC St.Helens went down 2-1 to replies from Capenhurst Villa Res' Danny Higginson and Jamie Easton.

Fourth-placed Bootle Res had Jackson Ellis and Jake Pearson on the mark, but forfeited two crucial promotion points after Neston Nomads rallied through Richie Foulkes and John Lloyd.

Saturday's Youth Division action saw South Liverpool Youth go three points clear at the top following a goal packed 8-3 success at Ellesmere Port Town Youth. Dave Mee(3)Vita Mbolokele (2), Craig Byrne, Alex Griffiths and Archie Lloyd obliged for the leaders.

Goals from Carl Mahon and Gerald Matsa helped Vauxhall Motors Youth to a fine 2-0 win at Litherland REMYCA Youth, while Newton Youth were indebted to efforts from Callum Morrison (2), Joe Molyneux and an own goal for their 4-3 eclipse of Belfry Youth.