Houlihan's BSL News 14th September

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 14 September 2025

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

Despite a superb hat-trick from Leon Jones and a strike from Leon Bower, Lukes FC were edged out in a pulsating encounter as Higher Bebington Kelma claimed a 5-4 win to tighten their grip on top spot in Division Two.

Image: Connor Courtnell scoring for Dock in their 1-0 win against Newton Bushell.
Credit: Bob Shaw

Liam Atherton bagged a brace, with Jack Calvary, Danny Richman, and Dylan Owen also on the scoresheet. Kelma have now hit five goals in all three of their opening league fixtures winning 5-1, 5-2 and 5-4 while also progressing into the next round of the Cheshire Cup to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.

Elsewhere in Division Two, the goals continued to flow. Glenavon Athletic let a 4–1 half-time lead slip as Lions staged a dramatic comeback to win 6–5. Matty Lacy, Kyran France, Danny Rowland, Ben Stevenson, and an own goal had put Glenavon in control, but Paul Ryan’s hat-trick inspired the turnaround, with further goals from Cody Blackburn, Lewis McKnight, and a Glenavon own goal completing the fightback.

Ben Dunn struck four times, and Alex Fletcher added two more as North Wirral Saints beat Eastham Rangers 6–3. James Pimblett scored twice, and Jamie Conway added another for Rangers.

In the Premier Division, Queens Park moved into second place with a 5–1 win over Rock Ferry Social. Harvey Sample netted a hat-trick, with Jamie Leyland and Jack Bentley also scoring. Jayden Jones grabbed Rock Ferry’s reply.

League leaders Wellington FC suffered their first defeat, going down 2–1 to Fender FC, who followed last week’s Cheshire Cup success with goals from Jake Clarke and Billy Rainbow as their season is now firmly up and running. Dan O’Halloran replied for Wellington.

In the Veronica Conway Cup first round, Dock edged past Bushell Newton thanks to a solitary strike from Connor Courtnell (pictured).

Woodchurch FC exited the competition after a 3–2 defeat to Lancelyn Glenavon, who progressed with goals from Kyle Ravenscroft (2) and Adam Mitchell. Dan McLoughlin and Danny Holmes had scored for Woodchurch.

90-minutes could not separate Whitby Rangers and Cheshire Cheese as they played out a thrilling 3–3 draw. It was Whitby held their nerve in the shootout to advance. Leo Young, Tom Ruffer, and Ben Murray (MOTM) were on the scoresheet for Whitby, with Jack Fradg, Ewan McCready, and Kieron Frost netting for Cheese.

In Division Three, AFC Raeburn climbed above West Kirby United and into top spot with a 3–0 victory, courtesy of Matty Amey, Dan Piggott and a Peter Molloy penalty.

MSC Eastham secured a convincing 4–1 win over AFC Tima, with Keane Fletcher, Joe Walker, Corey Jenkins and Connor Robinson all scoring. Grant Reay replied for Tima.

In the Tony Smith Cup first round ties, Woodchurch Rovers saw off Saughall FC 2–1, with goals from Luke Wynne and Hayden Hardener, while Andy Noonan netted for the visitors.

Lottie Dodd FC advanced in the Jimmy Core Cup first round with a 3–1 win over Lighthouse FC. Goals from Jack Catterall, Dan Lewis and Alex Pitt proved decisive, with Niall Teale scoring for Lighthouse.

AFC Rangers edged Parkgate St Germain 3–2 thanks to a brace from Chris Carress and a goal from Dan Williams. Parkgate responded through Ryan Wright and Mike Moran.

Victoria Colts progressed with goals from Adam Chwalko and Ryan Coles in their 2-0 win over Catons FC meanwhile Ridgewood eased past West Kirby Wasps 6–2, with Michael Armour (2), Elliot Powell, Alex McDowell, Adam Walker, and Adam Pickering on the scoresheet. Paddy Lawler netted both for the Wasps