HESWALL stayed in the running for the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One title, following a 2-1 victory at Ellesmere Port.

Peter McNulty was on the mark for the hosts against his old club, but it was the visitors who profited, after a sparkling double from Matty Millington swung the game in their favour.

As a result, The Gayton Park outfit stayed very much in contention in what is shaping up to be a four horse race for the championship.

Reigning champions, West Kirby, maintained interest, after a solitary effort from Paul Hughes breached Castrol Social's defiant rearguard, but Cammell Laird Res.' celebrations were aborted, after their tussle with Vauxhall Motors was abandoned on 76 minutes, due to a serious injury. The Shipbuilders were 3-0 up at the time.

Christleton recorded their fifth win of the season, after two goals from Sean O'Rourke sealed a 2-0 result at Chester rivals, Blacon YC, while free scoring Newton top scored with a 6-1 victory at inconsistent Upton AA. A Lee Kissock double was supplemented by further efforts from Kevin Wright, Keith Gray, Kevin Duncalf and Anthony Carroll. Upton's consolation came from Paul Broster.

In Division Two, Ashville's revival continued via a 5-1 blitz of Capenhurst Villa.

Andy Kingham and Adam Johnson both struck twice, and a single from Matty Singleton completed the statistics.

Leaders, Mossley Hill Ath, recaptured top spot thanks to a 2-1 decision over Grange Ath. Callum Holmes and Paul McNeill bagged the goals and Bronze Social savoured their second win on the trot, after Tommy Fardoe, Lee Dermody and Anthony Anglesey found the net in the 3-1 eclipse of Heswall Res. Gordon Harrison claimed the hosts' reply.

Despite goals from Liam Gough and Mike Ankers, St.Werburghs lost out, when replies from Sean Kearney, Paul Wells and Phil Duncan inspired Mossley Hill Ath.Res. to a 3-2 success in a depleted Division Three programme.

Ellesmere Port Res. were indebted to a goal from James Marynaik for their single goal win at Capenhurst Villa Res.

West Cheshire representatives, Upton AA Res and Christleton Res enjoyed a good day in The Chester & District FA Challenge Cup Second round.

Robbie McDowell was a two goals star who shone in Christleton's 4-0 victory over Barrow Ath. while Upton's Pat Walsh went one better with a hat trick in his side's 5-1 demolition of Duddon Utd.

Runcorn Town Res gave an excellent account of themselves against their first team in the Runcorn & District FA Challenge Cup 1st round, before a Jason Carey effort spared the Division One side's blushes.

John Coady, Gary Tyrell and Liam Page each scored twice, as Halton accounted for Railway Ath., 6-2, and Helsby progressed , after efforts from Sam Bailey(2) Tyrone Gray(2) and Matty Johnson secured a 5-0 result over Halfway House Celtic.

Division Three promotion favorites, Hale, breezed into the fourth round of the Liverpool County FA Intermediate Cup, after they won 6-1 at Birkdale Crown, courtesy of goals from Paul Hart(2) Wayne Smith(2) Andy McIntyre and Fassili Poza.

Ninety minutes and extra-time produced a 3-3 stalemate, before Maghull overcame Stoneycoft 4-2 on penalties in the County FA Challenge Cup 3rd round, and in the Junior Cup 3rd round, it was celebration time for Marshalls, after Joe Dickson(2) and Richie Jones obliged in the 3-1 verdict over Whiston Cross.

Mayfield's passage to the County FA Youth Cup 3rd round was assured after two goal Ben Backley called the shots in the 4-3 win over Formby and Widnes Town joined them in the hat, following a 2-1 success over Real Santos. Aaron McGarvey plundered both goals for the victors.