MAGHULL assumed pole position in the race for the West Cheshire League's Division One title, following Saturday's 2-0 eclipse of reigning champions, South Liverpool.

Efforts from Marcus Stewart and Elliot Toner settled the issue, as Maghull made it four wins from five, following on from Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Marshalls.

Nearest rivals, Newton, safeguarded their 100 per cent record, after Gerard King, Jack McDowell and Jack Leamy obliged in the 3-1 win against Ellesmere Port Town in midweek, while Neston Nomads opened their account in style, after romping home 4-0 at West Kirby, with goals from Rob Cottrell, Stewart Jackson, Nathan Saunders and Paul Ellison.

At Villa Park, goals from Ashville's Andy Kingan and James Clare were negated by repies from Rainhill Town's Jamie Casson and Chris Davidson.

Free-scoring Richmond Raith Rovers celebrated a 6-1 result over Ellesmere Port Town, thanks to efforts from Paul Gouthwaite (2), Aiden Preston (2), Ben Forshaw and Jonathan Parkinson.

A smart double from Stewart Cornfoot anchored Hale to a 4-2 victory over Chester Nomads, and Craig Blackwell followed suit with two goals in helping Redgate Rovers to win 4-1 against third placed challengers, Upton AA.

Saturday's Division Two action saw leaders, Heswall open up a two point lead at the top, after they posted a 3-1 win over Litherland Remyca Development, inspired by a Paul Lindfield hat trick.

Steve Rowlands, Ryan Abraham, Danny Page and Lee Ludgate made the scoresheet, as Capenhurst Villa beat Page Celtic 4-1, but a Dave Sadler treble failed to prevent West Kirby Reserves from going down 4-3 at Maghull Res, who had Dave Lynch (2), Alex Moffitt and Farshad Parvas in reply.

A Will-Sara-Kelly effort allied to an own goal proved scant reward for Wirral SB, who capitulated 3-2 to replies from Mossley Hill Ath's Adele Mohammed (2) and Kieran Moran, while Rainhill Town had all the answers against Ashville Res and had Jamie Pendleton (2), Chris Raynard, Jonathan Kenny and Robbie Corr on the mark in a 5-0 triumph.

Despite two goals from the tireless Callum Morrison, Mallaby were upstsaged in their home clash with Prescot Cables Res, who emerged 4-2 victors highlighted by a stunning free kick from Peter Moore.

Unbeaten Division Three pacesetters, Aintree Villa, were too strong on the day against Neston Nomads Res and sealed a 5-1 result, courtesey of efforts from Matty Callaway, Matty Sohl, James Hickey, Stephen Andrews and Dave Pursglove.

A four-goal salvo from Jonny Fell was supplemented by further goals from Josh Giblin, Joe Gallagher and Jay Tate as Redgate Rovers Res savoured a 7-1 decision over Capenhurst Villa Res.

John Pomphrett bagged the game's only goal as Mersey Royal's promotion hopes were dented by Poulton Royal.

Melvyn Price (2), Tommy Seddon, Alex McNab and Jack Gray applied the finished touches as South Sefton Borough won 5-1 against Wirral SB, while Heswall Res' 2-1 result at Burscough Dynamo featured a goal apiece from Matty Holt and Rob Horgan.

In the Youth Division, Newton Youth were second best at Bootle Youth who took full advantage and scored an 8-0 victory with goals from Cameron Grant (4), Joe Carroll (2), Will McGlade and Joe Cunningham.