SYNTHETIC pitches once again saved the day for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League as all five games which escaped the weather took place on artificial surfaces.

Division One title contenders Vauxhall Motors saw their title chances suffer after they spurned a 2-0 interval lead at Redgate Rovers and went down 3-2, which gave the hosts a fifth consecutive win and elevated them to fifth place in the table.

A first-half double from ace marksman Ryan Nightingale put the Motormen firmly in the driving seat before Redgate turned defeat into victory for the second week in succession and bagged maximum spoils, courtesy of a Craig Blackwell double and the winner from Ollie Gallagher.

Title favourites South Liverpool stayed six points in credit at the top but were hard pressed to get the better of a resilient Neston Nomads who fully deserved something out of the game which finished in a 1-1 stalemate.

Gary Dunning put South in front via the penalty spot in the first half and also had an effort ruled out for offside.

After the break, Robbie Foukes went close twice for Nomads while Cameron Dalton failed to double South's advantage after he fired wide after being put clean through.

With five minutes remaining, Nomads got their just reward when Luke Blondel equalised via a stunning overhead kick.

Erratic defending cost Mallaby dearly at Richmond Raith Rovers, who were 3-0 up at half time thanks to a Jonathan Parlinson double and an Aiden Preston tap-in.

The visitors made a better showing after the break and pulled it back to 3-2, through Jamie McColl and a fine finish from Ben Glover before Rovers secured a 4-2 result with a late goal from man of the match, Paul Gouthwaite.

In Division Three, Chester Nomads Res kept their outside chances of promotion alive after they posted an emphatic win at basement club, Ellesmere Port Town Res.

A hat trick from Johnny Lee was supplemented by furter efforts from Jordan Lee (2) and Mike Appolonio as Nomads romped home 6-0 and registered their ninth win of the season.

West Kirby Youth locked horns with Division Three side Pouton Royal, in the Development Trophy but despite scoring through Jack Brown.

Kirby's youngsters found it hard going against their more experienced opponents and suffered a 6-1 defeat.

Graham Edge (3), Anthony Corser, Tommy Carroll and Kieran Sait obliged for the winners.