Inspired by a smart double from Sam Hunt and bolstered by further efforts from Sam Robinson and Lewy Moynes, Ashville secured their passage to the West Cheshire League’s Pyke Cup second round and enhanced their chances of lifting the trophy for only the second time in their history, following Saturday’s 4-3 victory at Chester Nomads, who had Ryan Wan, Charlie Mann and Louis Moss in reply, writes Ernie Mcdonald.

In Division One, it was business as usual for leaders South Liverpool, who stayed six points in credit at the top, after they beat Marshalls 4-1 with goals from Mason Nevitt (2), Brad Williams and Steve Kelly. Nearest rivals, Mossley Hill Ath., stayed in touch, with Elliot Hughes and Nathan Peet obliging in the 2-1 eclipse of third placed challengers Vauxhall Motors Res.

Jackson Ellis struck twice and was joined on the scoresheet by Liam Smith, Chris Sheppard and Joe Nicholson, as Newton accounted for Neston Nomads 5-0 and a fine hat trick from Steve Melville anchored Rainhill Town to a 6-1 rout of Ellesmere Port Town.

In a four club battle for promotion to the top flight, unbeaten Division Two pacesetters, Prescot Cables Res. kept their noses in front at the top, when Luke Van Ashton (2) and Josh Donnelly netted in a 3-1 result at Rainhill Town Res.

Liam Driscoll (2), Adam Smith, Kieran Cartwright, Mike Williams and Leon Detlaff bagged the goals, as second placed Mersey Royal triumphed 6-3 over Ashville Res., who hit back via Andy Cook, Joel Campbell and Joe Kelly.

Josh Cavanagh was a two goal star who shone for Aintree Villa in Saturday’s 5-0 win against Poulton Royal and Mike Barnes followed suit with two for South Sefton Borough Res. who beat Mossley Hill Ath. Res. 3-0, while a solitary effort from Mike Cummins earned Maghull Res. maximum spoils from their tussle with Litherland Remyca Dev.

Still undefeated after fifteen outings, the Bootle St. Edmunds juggernaut continued to roll in the race for the Division Three title and this time Chester Nomads Res. were on the wrong end of a 6-1 scoreline.