FOLLOWING an erratic run of results, blighted by injuries, Newton returned to form and revived their challenge for the West Cheshire League's Division One title, after they won 5-3 at South Liverpool and moved to within six points of top spot, with four games in hand.

Dom Coddington (2), Jack McDowell, James Law and Ryan Beigan obliged for Lee Kissock's men with Cam Dalton, Sharif Yusuf and James Thomas in reply for the hosts.

Current leaders Rainhill Town had Craig Jones and Alex McMillan on the scoresheet, but fell victim to Hale, who posted a 3-2 result courtesy of goals from Jimmy Eaves, Craig Williams and Louie Ruddock, while efforts from Dave Kelly (2) and Callum Smith helped Mossley Hill Athletic to a 3-1 eclipse of Maghull.

Hat-tricks from Ben Greenop and Mike Burkey anchored Vauxhall Motors Res to a 6-0 victory over Marshalls.

After the previous week's jubilation, bottom club West Kirby netted through Chris Lavery but were on the receiving end at Chester Nomads who romped home 7-1, thanks to efforts from Joe Imlach (3), Jack Delgado, Ian Lee, Louie Moss and an own goal.

Chester neighbours Upton AA had Josh Clayton on target, but a penalty from Jamie Easton assured Ellesmere Port Town of a share of the spoils.

An Aiden Preston double failed to prevent Richmond Raith Rovers from capitulating 4-2 to replies from Redgate Rovers' Robbie McDonald (2) and Jordan Dilworth (2).

Division Two leaders Capenhurst Villa stayed eight points in credit at the top, after they romped home 6-0 at Prescot Cables Res, highlighted by a Dan Page hat trick and Mallaby's Tommy Johnstone followed suit, with all three goals in his side's 3-2 success at Litherland Remyca Dev.

Aaron Buckley bagged the game's only goal as West Kirby Res beat Rainhill Town Res and Luke Fitzgibbon did likewise, as Ashville Res overcame Wirral SB.

Second-placed Heswall were indebted to goals from Adam Walker, Joe Ford and Scott Connolly which sealed a 3-0 win over Cheshire Lines.

In Division Three, Aintree Villa won 5-0 against Neston Nomads Res with Matty Sohl (3) and Dave Pursglove on the mark, and assumed pole position on goal difference, from South Sefton Borough Res.

Rowan Whelan, Dom Hoppe, James Sheridan and Mason Flavell shared the goals as Capenhurst Villa Res beat Burscough Dynamo 4-2 while two-goal Adam Smith left his calling card as Mersey Royal triumphed 4-1 against Redgate Rovers Res.

Saturday's West Cheshire Shield second round action saw Poulton Royal and Marshalls Res progress to the semi-finals, after they eliminated South Sefton Borough Res (2-1) and Chester Nomads Res (5-2) respectively.

A solitary strike from Joe Carroll proved decisive as unbeaten Youth Division leaders Bootle U18 overcame nearest rivals Vauxhall Motors U18 and raced 17 points clear at the top.

Four-goal Peter Silcock took the plaudits as Litherlamd Remyca U18 won 9-2 against Bootle Academy U18.