The New Year got off to a rocky start in the Chester & Wirral Football League, with only five from 20 fixtures surviving.

It was a tough day for Higher Bebington Kelma as they played their first game since the news of the passing of their secretary, Eugene Tierney, on December 27.

Eugene was a well-respected and devoted football man whose dedication to Kelma over the years shone through.

Wirral Globe: Eugene Tierney of Higher Bebington Kelma, who sadly passed away on December 27, 2021Eugene Tierney of Higher Bebington Kelma, who sadly passed away on December 27, 2021

This tragic news has come a great shock to all those who knew him and he will be greatly missed by everyone connected to both his club and the CWFL family at large.

Kelma travelled to Helsby FC IIs in their Premier Division encounter and came away with a fine 4-1 win thanks to strikes from Andy Noonan (2), Jack Bolderstone and Shaun Burgess.

This win takes them into third place, five points off the top of the table. Helsby replied through Harry Eardley.

Upton JFC Youth put in a stunning performance to beat highflyers Hooton 4-1 with goals from Tom Berry, Jack Sconce, Danny Evans and James Lally. Ben O’Donoghue hit the Hooton consolation. Adam Walker, Farris Baker and Will O’Leary were the marksmen for Black Horse in their 3-2 away win over Runcorn Sports. Runcorn replied though Billy McGee and James Bignall.

Chester Nomads IIIs beat Neston Nomads Reserves 8-2 with goals coming from Sean Shrigley (2), Trey Lattie (2), Tim Ashbrook, Lewis Coppack and James Pemberton.

The only game to survive in the Championship saw Christleton beat Orange Athletic 5-2. Christleton goals came via Will Harrison, Matt Shorrock, Mike Murray and a Matt Harland-Jones brace. Taylor Robertson and Tom Clarke replied for Orange.

In the Vets Division 2, Ashton Vets beat Nags Head Bunbury Vets 5-1 with goals from Scott Chard (2), Matt Edwards, Rhys Nevett and Steve Whittaker. Nags replied through Simon Mitchelson.