WITH less than two weeks to go to the new season, Mersey Royal have resigned from the Carlsberg West Cheshire League Division One (writes Ernie McDonald).

Rumours had been circulating for a number of weeks that Royal were in difficulties, and due to a lack of adequate personnel and back up to compete at the top level, the decision was taken in the best interest of all concerned to end the first team's association with Division One.

It is a sad day indeed when an established amateur club goes to the wall. Formed back in 1956, Royal were a legendry "park team" who progressed via the Birkenhead and Wirral, the Wirral Combination and South Wirral leagues to achieve West Cheshire League status. Their home venues included Arrowe Park, Valley Road, Bromborough Pool and, more recently, Levers Sports Ground.

Inspired by stalwarts such as Benny McKay, Billy Morris and Billy Carrington, the Birkenhead North outfit always had a competitive approach to their game, and lifted every honour at county, district and domestic level, with the exception of the West Cheshire League Division One title.

Their place in the top flight will be assumed by Wallasey side Ashville, who were relegated at the end of last season, but have now been reprieved to make up the first division's complement of 16 clubs.

The vacant place in Division Two will be filled by Mersey Royal's second string, who were also relegated, but intend carrying the club's name on, backed by a new intake of players and officials, with South Wirral League Premier Division experience. Division Three will now have a reduced complement of 15 clubs.

As a prelude to the new season, which kicks off on Saturday week (August 17), the Bill Weight Memorial Cup semi-finals and Carlsberg annual penalty shoot-out regional leagues are scheduled for this week.

On Monday, Division One champions Christleton entertained Division Two champions Mallaby in the first semi-final and last night (Tuesday) Pyke Cup winners Cammell Laird put out the welcome mat for Division Three champions Maghull.

The final takes place at Cammell Laird on Wednesday, September 11.

The penalty shoot-outs take place at 6.30pm tomorrow (Thursday) evening at the following venues:-

At Newton - Cammell Laird, FC Pensby, Newton, Mallaby, Manor Ath, Mersey Royal, Stork, Shaftesbury.

At New Brighton - Ashville, New Brighton, Poulton Victoria, West Kirby, Aintree Villa, Maghull, Manweb, Merseyside Police.

At Mond Rangers - Blacon YC, Christleton, St Werburgh's, Upton AA, General Chemicals, Helsby, Mond Rangers, Pavilions.

At Willaston - Shell, Vauxhall Motors, Willaston, Capenhurst Villa, Castrol Social, Grange Ath, Heswall, Chester Nomads.