ROSS McDowell bagged the game's only goal as Frankby outfit Newton eclipsed Redgate Rovers and, with a third of the season still to play, stayed on course for the West Cheshire League's Division One title they last won in 2017.

Current leaders Rainhill Town were indebted to doubles from Stephen Melville and Chris Davidson together with an Alex McMillan effort which anchored them to a 5-2 result over Chester Nomads and safeguarded their four-point lead at the top.

Jonathan Parkinson struck twice in helping Richmond Raith Rovers to a 2-1 decision over Ashville, while South Liverpool's Cam Dalton went one better with a hat-trick in his side's fine 3-1 win at Hale.

Mark Noakes and Jamie Gardiner both found the net as Neston Nomads won by the same scoreline against Marshalls and a goal from Dan Hardman did the trick as Vauxhall Motors Res got the better of West Kirby.

Despite an effort from Josh Clayton, Upton AA capitulated 3-1 to replies from Mossley Hill Athletic's Tom McNamara, Joe Hornby and Callum Smith.

In Division Two, Mallaby ran out 5-0 winners at Mossley Hill Ath Res, thanks to goals from Jack Ledsham (2), Paul Allen, Callum Smith and man-of-the-match Lewis Moynes and it was celebration time for Wirral SB, Drew Stewart-Taylor and Tyler Neill applying the finishing touches in Saturday's 2-1 win against Rainhill Town Res.

Steve McGarry, Sam Dickson, Matty Ince and Dean Westerside made the scoresheet as fourth-placed Cheshire Lines won 4-2 at Ashville Res, while respective scorers in Maghull Res' 1-1 stalemate with South Liverpool Res, were Farshad Parvas and Bob Murphy.

South Sefton Borough Res' chances of finishing their debut Division Three campaign as champions suffered, after third-placed Mersey Royal came up with the goods and posted a 2-1 win, thanks to a goal apiece from Mike Williams and Ryan Coles.

Two-goal Shaun Smith left his calling card as Marshalls Res beat Chester Nomads Res 5-2, Mike Jeffs and Brendan Reade scoring for the visitors.

Lower Breck U17 closed the gap on Youth Division leaders, BootleU18, to 11 points when Charlie Hall grabbed both goals in a 2-0 verdict over Litherland Remyca U17.

Jimmy Brain Youth Plate First round action saw West Kirby U18 beat Mossley Hill Ath U18 2-1 and Vauxhall Motors U18 overcome Newton U17 5-0.

Finalists for the Liverpool & District FA's Youth Cup final were resolved after both semis were settled on penalties.

Litherland Remyca U18 went through at the expense of Maghull U18 and they will now face, Moorside, conquerors of Bootle U18.

The West League invite applications for the post of honorary referees secretary for the 2019/2020 season.

The successful Applicant will be responsible for the appointment of assistant referees for Division One League and cup fixtures, and the appointment of referees for Divisions Two and

Three together with Youth Division League and cup games.

If you are interested and want more details, contact league chairman, Les Watson, (0151-638 7564 e-mail leswatson @talktalk.net) or acting league secretary Jose Damiao, (01244 383221 e-mail jose.damiao@btinternet.com).