Houlihan's Press Report 27 April 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Midweek football delivered silverware as Oxton Celtic were crowned Division 2 champions following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Higher Bebington Kelma.

Fender FC – Division 1 title winners and David Tacy Cup winners
Oxton Celtic – Division 2 title winners
Athletic VH – Division 3 title winners

Goals from Sean Deehan and Harry Sutton sealed the win, capping off a superb season. With promotion secured, Oxton now look ahead to testing themselves in Division 1 next season.

On Sunday, Fender FC completed a brilliant campaign by lifting the David Tacey Trophy with a dominant 5-0 win over Shaftsbury FC.

A brace from Leighton Clarke, supported by goals from Ellis Byrne, Ben Morris, and Ash Power, ensured a memorable double for Jamie Edwards’ side, who had already clinched the Division 1 title.

Congratulations also go to Athletic VH, who secured the Division 3 title after a convincing 4-0 win over AFC Rangers. Goals from Howard Willet, George Jones, and Harper Farnsworth, along with an own goal, saw them over the line.

Although Glenavon ran them close and kept the title race going right down to the wire, Athletic Having scored over 100 goals and losing just once all season, VH are worthy champions.

It was Cheshire Cup heartbreak for Dock, who fell to George & Dragon on penalties after 90 minutes finished 1-1. Jack Kelly had given Dock the lead and they looked on course for cup glory before George equalised and then edged the shootout 5-4.

Premier Division action saw Beechwood cruise to a 4-0 victory over Queens Park. Jack McGrotty, Rob Cull, and Mitchell Duggan were all on target, but the standout moment came from Deri Hutchinson, who lobbed Queens keeper Lee Gibson from 40 yards after spotting him off his line.

Meanwhile Bushel Athletic also impressed with a 5-0 rout of Wellington, with a brace from Jacob McLaughlin and further goals from Luke Naylor, Leon Jones, and Dan Keogh.

Rock Ferry Social edged past Lancelyn 2-1 thanks to a double from Ellis Jones, with Callum France replying for the visitors.

In Division 1, Lions FC found the net three times — Paul Ryan (2) and Craig Horton on target — but were undone by a ruthless Whitby side who hit seven.

Division 2 action saw Eastham Rangers run out 5-1 winners over Upton Willows, with Harry Huggins bagging two, joined on the scoresheet by Kieran Hodgson, Jamie Galloway, and Liam Harris.

Higher Bebington Kelma went one better as they hit Woodchurch Rovers for six, thanks to a four-goal haul from Lewis Simpson, with Liam Grealis and Elliot John also scoring. Ben Robinson netted the consolation for Woodchurch.

Glenavon secured second spot in Division 3 and earned promotion with a dramatic 4-3 win over West Kirby United. Goals from Ben Stephenson, Danny Rowland, Fraser Sipson, and Mike Roberts capped a cracking season which also saw them lift the Jimmy Core Cup.

North Wirral Saints will finish third after their 3-1 win over Parkgate St Germain. Callum Sait, Alex Fletcher, and Tim Fleming got the goals, while Alex Butterworth replied for Parkgate.

Looking ahead, the BSL Invitation Cup Final takes place this Thursday, 1 May, at Ashville FC (7pm kick-off), where Woodchurch Rovers will meet Corsair FC.