MARINE Res. assumed pole position in the race for the Carslberg West Cheshire League's Division One title, following an emphatic 7-0 triumph at relegation threatened Ellesmere Port.

Doubles from Paul Pearson and Robbie Doran were supplemented by further efforts from Brad Foster, John Connolly and Sam Ennis, as the new leaders went two points clear at the top.

Chris Hesketh and Craig Cairns struck as nearest rivals, Cammell Laird Res., accounted for Blacon YC 2-0, and in the Chester derby, local bragging rights went to Christleton, after Kalumbo Mwande bagged the game's only goal against Upton AA.

Honours were shared after a goal from Ashville's Jamie Quinn was negated by a reply from Chester Nomads' Kieran Smith, while Farshad Parvas(2)Shaun Chart and John Maguire applied the finishing touches, as Maghull eclipsed Hale 4-2. Andy Cashmore(2) replied for the visitors.

Division Three leaders Redgate Rovers, boosted their goals for tally, after four goal Sam Corlett ran riot in the 9-1 rout of Upton AA Res, and in contrast, a solitary effort from John Deus earned second placed Gateacre maximum spoils from their tussle with Capenhurst Villa Res.

Respective hat trick heroes in Christleton Res.' 6-6 end to ender with Manor Ath. Res, were Adam Moore and Jake Garner while an Ed Moss double anchored Chester Nomads Res. to a 2-1 result over Ellesmere Port Res.

Alex Clare, Nick Jones and Lewis Clark hit the target as Neston Nomads posted a 3-1 win over Hale Res.

Commiserations to Heswall, who came a cropper as Cheshire County FA representatives, when they went down 3-0 to the West Riding FA, represented by Leeds City in the Northern Counties Senior Cup 1st round.

There was better news for West Kirby, who eased their way into the Wirral & District FA 's Senior Cup 2nd round after they blitzed Newton 7-1 highlighted by hat tricks from Chris Reilly and Dave Webb. Mike McGraa was the other scorer.

Haworth & Gallagher Bowl 1st round action, saw three goal hit-man, Billy Rice, take the plaudits for Maghull Res., in their 5-1 triumph at Capenhurst Villa, while Mallaby's Gerard Mullen went one better, with a four goal haul, in his side's 8-0 decision over Mersey Royal.

Extra time and penalties were required to separate local rivals Manor Ath.and Willaston, before Manor got the nod on spot kicks.

In another game that went into extra time, John Garner and Liam Anderson netted for Richmond Raith Rovers, who won 2-1 at Prescot Cables Res.
Despite efforts from Mark Ward, Andy Dunning and John Coady, Helsby forfeited their place in the next round, after Bebington Ath. emerged 4-3 victors, courtesy of replies from Sean Heggarty(2)Joel Taylor and Matty Earp.
 

Goals from Jay Thompson, Paul Lindfield and Chris Lea were enough, as Heswall Res. progressed, after they triumphed 3-2 at Mossley Hill Ath. Res.

Mossley's senior side had better fortunes, and reached the Liverpool County FA's Challenge Cup 3rd round, when Yusuf Malik and Kurt Sherlock scored in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Ford Motors, and well done to South Liverpool, who savored a 4-0 verdict over Garswood, with Gary Pollard, Cameron Dalton, Alex Woodcock and Tom Stewart on the mark.
Youth Division leaders, Bootle, dropped two points after they finished 1-1 with Vauxhall Motors Youth, and that result allowed South Liverpool Youth to close ground, after they won 3-2 at Custys, with goals from Sherif Yusuf, Darren Colecozy and Kieran Parker. John Dowling and Jobe Wallace obliged for the hosts.
 

Efforts from Kieran Owen, Connor McCarthy, Matty Shore and Jonathan Walters steered Gateacre Youth to a fine 4-0 win at Ramsbottom Youth.