TOP faced second in the battle for the MSC Express West Cheshire League's Division One title, and it was honours even, after second-placed Mersey Royal, three points adrift but with two games in hand, finished 1-1 with leaders Ashville.

The Royal went in front via an own goal early in the second half, before a stunning 85th minute long range effort from Gary "Mojo" Jones saved the day for the visitors.

In midweek, efforts from Ben Greenop and Josh Maldon steered Ashville to a 2-1 eclipse of Newton while the Royal, still searching for their first ever top flight title success, overcame Bootle St Edmunds, courtesy of goals from Liam Driscoll (2) and seasoned campaigner Robbie Courtenay.

A goal from Brandon Dickinson proved scant reward for Chester Nomads, who capitulated 2-1 to a double from Capenhurst Villa's Ellis Williams, while the spoils were shared after an effort from Heswall's Danny Dixon was negated by a reply from Ellesmere Port Town's Ben Summers.

Wirral Globe:

Action from West Cheshire League Division 3 clash between West Kirby FC Reserves v Capenhurst FC Reserves that ended in well-deserved draw. Picture: Bob Shaw

Newton's fine 3-2 win at Mossley Hill Athletic was confirmed by goals from Ryan Hunt, Jackson Ellis and Ged King.

Division Two promotion chasers, Helsby, won 2-0 at West Kirby in midweek, with Dillon Westhead and Lee Turkington on the mark, but at the weekend, a Will Avon double counted for nothing, after local rivals, Runcorn Sports, with goals from Keelan Densmore (3) and Dom Bazeley posted a surprise 5-2 victory.

Fourth-placed Mallaby, with seven successive wins behind them, scored through Mike McLean and Ellis Byrne but slipped up at Marshalls Res, who edged a 4-2 decision with Alex Blackburn, Jacob Till, Elliot Musa and Karl Brown finding the net.

Aaron Rainbow, Kyle Bennett and Liam Owen bagged the goals as Poulton Vics pulled off an excelllent 3-2 result at South Liverpool Res.

Newly crowned Division Three champions Sutton Ath recorded their 22nd victory of the season, when Shaun Weaver (2) and Connor Doyle made the scoresheet in a 3-0 win against Neston Nomads.

Poulton Royal upped the ante in the race for the runners-up medals, when Steve Casey, Ryan Slater and Kyle Evans scored in a crucial 3-1 result at South Liverpool 3rds. .

A goal from Nick Williams failed to inspire Ellesmere Port Town Res., who were undone by replies from Chester Nomads Res' Jamie Edge and Sandro Malletta.

Elsewhere,the points were split after goals from West Kirby Res' Peter Brown and Joe Stephenson were cancelled out by efforts from Capenhurst Villa Res.' Charlie Thomas and Ben Marray.