ELLESMERE Port Town were elevated to fifth place in the race for the West Cheshire League’s Division One title after they posted a 3-0 result over reigning champions Newton, writes Ernie McDonald.

Two goals from Ryan Nicoll and a John Wainwright effort sealed the issue but leaders South Liverpool forfeited two points after they were held 1-1 by Redgate Rovers.

Despite a goal from Kieran Moran, second placed Mossley Hill Ath., also came unstuck after Ashville salvaged a point thanks to Shaun Parrington. Chester Nomads - with goals from Charlie Mann(2) Ed Moss, Jack Delgado and Charlie Jones - won 5-0 at Neston Nomads and local rivals Upton AA were indebted to a goal from Lee Guiardo, which earned them maximum points from their tussle with Maghull.

Joe Downey netted for Vaxhall Motors Res. but the Motormen went home pointless, after Marshalls hit back via Owen Hough and Eddie Hawthorne, while Rainhill Town eclipsed Capenhurst Villa 3-0 courtesy of a goal apiece from Tyler Jefferies, Liam Bott and Paul Dunlevy.

Heswall safeguarded their one point lead at the top of Division Two, after goals from Paul Lindfield(2) Scott Connolly, Jamie Hurworth and Jack Darligtom anchored them to a 5-0 decision over Cheshire Lines.

Unbeaten nearest rivals, Prescot Cables Res. stayed in touch when Ethan Van Ashton and John Morgan obliged in a 2-1 win against South Sefton Borough and it was celebration time for Mersey Royal, who beat Mallaby 4-0 with goals from Charlie Norman, Ryan Coles, Andy Rogers and Sam Haley.

Doubles from Tommy Carroll and John Pomfrett set Poulton Royal up for a 5-3 win against Rainhill Town Res. and a solitary effort from Danny Dixon got West Kirby over the line at Maghull Res.

Matty Sohl and Tom Jump found the net as Aintree Villa emerged 2-0 victors against South Liverpool Res. while Andrew Cook and Dave McDermott struck for Ashville Res. in their 2-1 success at Mossley Hill Ath. Res.