Houlihan's BSL News 30th November

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 30 November

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

It was Cheshire Cup heartbreak for Corsair on Sunday as their run came to an end at the quarter final stage at the hands of current holders George & Dragon (pictured).

Image: Corsair (light blue) v George & Dragon (red) in the Cheshire Cup quarter final

In a scrappy affair on a difficult St Mary’s pitch, it was George & Dragon who edged a scrappy first half to lead 1–0, but Corsair hit back early in the second period when Jamie Parker punished a defensive error to level the tie. With penalties on the horizon, Corsair were dealt a late blow as they conceded a stoppage-time penalty, which was scored to see George add Corsair’s name to their growing list of Birkenhead Sunday league casualties over the last two seasons.

Cheshire Cheese booked their place in the semi-finals after a penalty shoot-out win over Fender FC, the match finishing 1–1 in normal time. Matty Welding struck for Cheese, with Nathan Johnson replying for Fender.

This Sunday, KRCT Bidston make the trip to AFC Carnforth, while Dock welcome Cheadle & Gatley. Good luck to both teams.

There were goals aplenty in Tony Smith second-round action. Lukes cruised into the next stage with a 4–0 win over Eastham Rangers thanks to goals from Leon Jones, Luke Massey, Stewy Hardman, and Leon Bowers.

Lions’ Matt Lydiate stole the show with a four-goal haul in their 6–2 victory over Higher Bebington Kelma. Mark Head added a brace for Lions, while Lewis Simpson netted both of Kelma’s replies.

Glenavon Athletic’s Ben Stephenson and Jamie Gann were both on target, but North Wirral Saints hit back through Alex Fletcher and Lee McNulty to force a 2–2 draw. Glenavon held their nerve in the shoot-out, winning 4–2 to progress.

In Jimmy Core second-round action, AFC Raeburn claimed an excellent 2–0 win over league rivals West Kirby United, with Tyler Sutton and Dan Piggot on the scoresheet.

AFC Tima bowed out despite goals from Grant Reay and Phil Whitley, as Lottie Dodd FC advanced with strikes from Alex Pitt, Darren Jones and Danny Andrews to seal a 3–2 win.

Jack Hughes netted for MSC Eastham, but Chris Carress forced a shoot-out for AFC Rangers. Eastham progressing thanks to a 4–3 penalty victory.

Ridgewood FC are also through after edging Victoria Colts 3–2. Michael Armour, Jack Heywood and Conor Bowman grabbed the goals, with Adam Chwalko and Cal Lavelle replying for Colts.

Premier Division action saw both fixtures end all square. Wellington FC and Lancelyn played out a 2–2 draw, Teddy Galor continuing his fine form with a brace, while Dil Thomas and Nathan Leyland struck back for Wellington.

Rock Ferry were held 1–1 by Woodchurch, Rory Aldiss opening the scoring before Joe Caswell levelled.

In Division One, Oxton Celtic secured a tight 2–1 win over title rivals Athletic VH. Kyle Hesketh and Mike Manser scored the decisive goals, with Lewis McKeown replying for Athletic.

Rig Move took full advantage to leapfrog Athletic VH with a commanding 4–1 victory over Seamus O’Donnells. Corey Beavin hit a brace, with Daniel Woodcock and Joe Humphries also on target. Callum Jones grabbed O’Donnells’ consolation.

Poulton Victoria S&S celebrated their first league win of the campaign with an impressive 4–1 away success at Saughall FC. Stephen Kennedy, Owen McMahon, Andy Watterson, and Rory Simpson found the net, while Aaron Morgon replied for Saughall.

The only Division Three fixture saw Parkgate St Germain strengthen their position at the top with a convincing 6–2 win over Lighthouse FC. Alex Butterworth led with a double, supported by goals from Ben Swift, John Gibson, Mike Wright, and Ed Bailey. Will Youlton and Dom Quirk were on target for Lighthouse.