WEST Kirby stayed five points clear at the top of the Carlsberg West Cheshire League Division One, after Matty Cass plundered the game's only goal at Ellesmere Port.

With the winning post looming into view, it's a testing time for the long time leaders, who now have only nearest rivals Maghull for company. Dave Nolan bagged both goals, as Maghull edged a 2-1 decision over Cammell Laird Reserves.

Victory at Vauxhall Motors Reserves this Saturday will see the Liverpool outfit close Kirby's lead at the top to two points.

At the Racecourse ground, Heswall's challenge spluttered to a halt after a solitary effort from Lee Barnes secured maximum spoils for Aintree Villa.

An identical score line proved decisive, as Simon Thelwell steered Castrol Social to victory in their relegation tussle with Blacon YC, while bottom club Newton were grateful for a point, after John Stalker's goal helped them to a priceless 1-1 draw at Christleton.

Franny Potter's spot-kick earned Marine Reserves the nod over reigning champions Poulton Victoria and an own goal gave New Brighton the three points against Vauxhall Motors Reserves.

The Motormen won 3-0 in midweek against Ashville, thanks to a superb hat-trick from Davie Roberts.

Merseyside Police paid Upton AA a visit and confiscated all three points after goals from Glen Crowder, Richie Campbell and Neil Maguire clinched a 3-1 result. Simon Andrews scored Upton's consolation.

In Division Two, Runcorn Town's resolve was tested to the full at Mallaby until second-half goals from Robbie Moore and Georgie Donnelly anchored the champions-elect to a 2-0 success.

Mark Crossen scored the game's only goal as Chester Nomads won at Ashville Reserves and Lee Dunbar followed suit with the winner for Willaston against Christleton Reserves.

On target for Poulton Victoria Reserves in their 3-0 eclipse of FC Pensby were Tommy Baker, Kevin Davies and Shaun Keevey.

Despite a smart double from Mike Burke, West Kirby Reserves had to settle for a point, after they finished 3-3 with Capenhurst Villa. Jordan Brierley, Stuey Jones and veteran John Keefe obliged for the visitors.

Another 3-3 stalemate saw MANWEB's Joey Gibiliru, 2, and Jacob Babtista on the mark against consistent performers Halton, who replied via a Adam Horrocks hat-trick.

Helsby's Nick Askey struck five times in the 6-1 rout of Maghull Reserves.

Division Three leaders Bebington Athletic ran riot at St Werburgh's, their 11-1 victory being endorsed by hat-tricks from Graham Carvell and Matty Earp, doubles from brothers Lewis and James Hough and a dipping effort from John Oliver.

Graham Sunners was another three-goal star - he shone for Focus in their 4-2 decision over Mersey Royal.

David Lloyd bagged all three goals in Blacon YC Reserves' 3-0 win against Ellesmere Port Reserves and two-goal Paul O'Donovan inspired Grange Athletic to a comfortable 4-1 verdict over Shaftesbury.

Goals by Jay Thompson and Shaun Mooney were insufficient for Bronze Social, who lost 3-2 to Merseyside Police Reserves. James Neilson, 2, and Dominic Gilchrist found the net for the Bobbies.

Youth Division side Hale breezed in to the Liverpool County FA Youth Cup Final with a 5-1 success against Universal.

West Cheshire League followers are reminded that the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup semi-final between Christleton and New Brighton kicks off at 7.30pm this Wednesday evening (March 21) at Cammell Laird.

On n Thursday, holders West Kirby lock horns with Poulton Victoria in a Pyke Cup semi-final at Ashville (kick-off 7pm).