It was a week of mixed emotions for Poulton Vics in their bid to win promotion to the West Cheshire League's Division One.

In midweek, a Harvey Sample hat-trick, allied to a further effort from Perrie Black, anchored Vics to a 4-1 result over Neston Nomads but in Saturday's top of the table clash against leaders, Bootle St.Edmunds, a solitary effort from John Howard sealed victory for Saints.

As a result, Heswall's chances were bolstered, when Joe Ford and Scott Connolly netted in a 2-0 decision over Ashville Res.in midweek, and then saw their claims strengthened after beating Litherland Remyca Dev. 4-0 on Saturday.

Also still very much in the promotion equation are fourth-placed challengers West Kirby, with Kyle Bennet's goal earning maximum spoils against Cheshire Lines.

At the other end of the table, Poulton Royal secured a welcome three points when Ewan McCready and Callum Morrison obliged in a 2-1 victory over South Liverpool Res. at Harrison Park.

Mossley Hill Ath. moved to within three points of Division One leaders, South Liverpool after efforts from Joe McMahon and Owen Cassidy sparked a 2-0 result at Capenhurst Villa.

Isaac Jones (2) and Robbie McDonald shared the goal scoring duties as Redgate Rovers pulled off a 3-1 victory at Aintree Villa.

Jack Kelly was on the mark for Vauxhall Motors Res. at Prescot Cables Res., but it was the hosts who profited, with Josh Donnelly and Liam Keenan netting for Prescot.

Alex Smith and Joe Ormrod hit the target as Upton AA posted a 2-0 result at basement side, Aintree Villa while honours were shared after Ashville and Chester Nomads finished 0-0.

Elsewhere, there were heavy defeats for Ellesmere Port Town - humbled 6-0 by Maghull - and Newton - beaten 5-0 by Marshalls.

In Division Three, a solitary strike from Matt Petts steered Chester Nomads Res. to victory against Poulton Royal Res. and despite a goal from Josh McEwan, Sutton Ath. went down 2-1 at home to Willaston, with Sean Hayward plundering both goals.

Bootle Res. won 4-0 at Ellesmere Port Town Res. and that result moved them to within four points of the leaders.

Top scorers in the Youth Division were South Liverpool, who triumphed 6-2 at Knowsley South, with Ellis Rawlinson, Lucas Rogers, McKenzie Hilton, Dan Brown, Tom Evans and Billy Eagleston finding the net. Matty O'Brien and Georgie Burgess were Knowsley's hot-shots.

Kieran Kenny (2) and Ethan Highton made the scoresheet, as Litherland Remyca Ath.beat Runcorn Town 3-0.

Saturday's Youth Plate Group B action saw Runcorn Linnets, with Jordan Monthe (2) and Nabil Rahim on target, secure a 3-1 result over Netherley Wood Lane Legion. Jay Curphey hit the lone response.

Magull's 4-1 win against Vauxhall Motors was confirmed by efforts from Jack Lemmens (2) Carlos Swain-Velasco and James Miles. Zak Holland replied for the Motormen.