Houlihan's BSL News 19th October

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 19 October

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

Eastham Rangers progressed to the third round of the Tony Houlihan Memorial Challenge Cup, shocking in form opponents Higher Bebington Kelma by storming into a 4-0 half-time lead with goals from Martin Marshall, Jack Jones, Harry Huggins and Liam Harris.

Image: Eastham Rangers (yellow) v Higher Bebington Kelma (blue). Credit: Bernie Holmes

Kelma responded strongly in the second half, pulling goals back through Liam Addo, Paddy Bell, and Luke Edwards. But despite sustained pressure, they could not find the fourth, which would have taken the game to penalties as Eastham keeper Brwa Mohammed pulled off save after save to see Eastham win 4-3.

In the same competition, Seamus O’Donnells and Woodchurch Rovers played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. O’Donnells’ goals came via a brace from Jason Bull and one from Stuey Davies, while Callum Whitby, Ben Robinson, and Ryan Thompson found the net for Woodchurch. The tie was settled on penalties, with Woodchurch progressing 5-3 in the shoot-out.

West Kirby United saw off MSC Eastham with a 5-2 win, led by Tom Fleming, who bagged a brace. Fin Austin, Ben Banks, and Jack Safadi also scored, while Henry Robotham and Joe Walker provided Eastham’s responses.

Corsair were in ruthless form as they hit Poulton Victoria S&S for six without reply. Kyle Bennett was the standout performer with a hat trick, supported by goals from Leon Clarke, Jamie Parker and Nathan Brady.

Glenavon Athletic progressed thanks to a comfortable 4-0 win over AFC Raeburn, with Jamie Gann helping himself to a hat-trick and Raeburn conceding an own goal.

North Wirral Saints edged out Saughall FC 2-1, courtesy of a Shaun Reynolds double. Sam Watkins grabbed Saughall’s only goal.

Upton Town also booked their place in the next round with a 3-1 win against Parkgate St Germain. Tom Ward struck twice and Liam Heeley added another, while Alex Butterworth was on target for Parkgate.

Lions FC ran out 4-1 winners against Victoria Colts. Matt Lydiate netted twice, Adam Horton added a third, and an own goal completed the tally. Lee Hellon replied for the Colts.

Lottie Dod are also into the next round after a 4-2 victory over West Kirby Wasps. Liam Pitt claimed a hat trick, with Alex Clarke also on the scoresheet. Jameson Doe scored both goals for Wasps.

Leon Jones was the hero for Lukes, scoring twice in their 3-1 win over Oxton Celtic. Finn Perry added the third, while Mike Manser grabbed a consolation for Celtic.

In the Cheshire Cup second round, Dock responded well to last week’s National Cup exit with a solid 3-1 win over league rivals Wellington FC. Jay Harvey, Connor Courtnell and Ben Wood got the goals, while Gabriel Cooper replied for Wellington.

Rock Ferry Social looked in control with a 3-1 lead over Woodchurch, thanks to goals from Danny Paige, Jack Gordon, and Ellis Jones, with Jay Scarisbrick scoring for Woodchurch, but with just ten minutes remaining Woodchurch struck twice with efforts from Ben Fisher and Ben Ryan, which forced penalties. Riding the momentum, Woodchurch went on to win the shoot-out 5-4.

KRCT Bidston’s excellent form continued as they brushed aside Sandbach Town 4-1. Lewis Clarke, Dega Taylor, Ben Kearney and Ben O’Neil were all on target.

With others involved in cup duty, Premier Division sides Queens Park, Whitby Rangers, and Cheshire Cheese all picked up important league wins to strengthen their positions at the top of the table.

Leaders Queens Park edged Bushell Newton 1-0 thanks to Jamie Leyland’s goal, maintaining their lead with a vital three points.

Whitby Rangers pulled off a superb comeback against Lancelyn Glenavon after trailing 2-0 to a brace from Carl Hamm. Row Whelan and Leo Young brought them level before a last-minute winner from Man of the Match Joe Foster sealed the turnaround and kept Whitby hot on Queens’ heels.

Cheshire Cheese earned a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Beechwood, with Nick Lynch grabbing the decisive goal, moving them into third place.

In Division One, Rig Move ran riot with a 10-0 demolition of The Dell FC. Daniel Woodcock led the charge with four goals, Lewis Cooper netted a hat-trick, and further strikes came from Billy Nixon, Corey Bevan, and Josh McEwen.

Division Three saw AFC Tima record a 2-0 win over Ridgewood FC, with goals from C. Roberts and G. Reay.