Houlihan's BSL News 26th October

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 26 October

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

Houlihan’s Premier Division action saw Whitby Rangers gain revenge for last month’s 2-1 Cheshire Cup defeat to KRCT Bidston with a hard-fought win that sent them top of the table.

With the game finely poised late on, a Joe Foster penalty broke the deadlock before Dylan Doyle’s thunderous strike gave Whitby breathing space. James Atherton pulled one back for Bidston to set up a nervy finish, but Whitby held firm to win 2-1 and must now be taken seriously as strong title contenders.

Beechwood dented Queens Park’s title hopes after holding them to a 1-1 draw. Morgan Woods netted for Beechwood, while James Fee replied for Queens.

Meanwhile, Wellington and Cheshire Cheese also shared the spoils in a lively 2-2 encounter, with Dil Thomas and Dan O’Halloran scoring for Wellington and Cam Nuttall hitting both goals for Cheese.

Lancelyn got off to a dream start against Bushell Newton when Teddy Galer struck inside 30 seconds, but Bushell hit back through Josh Abbo, Luke Naylor and David Bowe to claim a 3-1 victory.

Fender enjoyed a 4-1 win at Woodchurch thanks to doubles from Ben Glover and Jacob Mcloughlin, with Ben Ryan replying for the hosts.

In Division 1, Athletic VH and Rig Move ended all square as they drew 1-1 in the division’s standout fixture. Zak Catesby netted for VH, while Andy Henry was on target for Rig Move, who stay top of the table.

Oxton Celtic moved into second place after a dominant 4-0 win over Shaftesbury. Mike Manser, Sean Deehan, William Gill and Charlie Jones were all on the scoresheet. Corsair FC drew 2-2 with Upton Town, with Kyle Bennett and Sam Saunders scoring for Corsair and Joe Flynn and Josh Whelan replying for Upton.

In Division 2, Eastham Rangers recorded their second consecutive 4-3 win, this time the victims were Glenavon Athletic. Martin Marshall, James Pimblett, Harry Huggins, and Kieran Hodgson all found the net for Rangers, while Josh Gann, Danny Rowland and an own goal made up Glenavon’s tally.

Higher Bebington Kelma returned to winning ways with a 5-1 success over Saughall FC. Dylan Owen struck twice, with Liam Atherton, Paddy Bell, and Lewis Simpson also on target. Matty Westhead netted for Saughall.

Poulton Victoria S&S remain bottom despite a goal from Dave Favager, as Upton Willows ran out 3-1 winners with Jack Walker bagging a brace and Owen Hollywood also scoring.

Lions roared into second spot after thumping Woodchurch 7-1. Matt Lydiate grabbed a hat trick, Sam Langan struck twice, and Mark Head and Paul Ryan added one each, with Luke Wynne netting Woodchurch’s consolation. North Wirral Saints and Lukes FC played out a 2-2 draw. Alex Fletcher and Niall William scored for Saints, while Leon Jones and Brandon Smith replied for Lukes.

In Division 3, Victoria Colts held a 2-0 advantage at the interval courtesy of goals from Matty Wylde and Ryan Jones, but AFC Rangers mounted an impressive second-half comeback. Strikes from William Evans, Chris Carress and Kyle Wright turned the contest on its head and despite sustained late pressure from the Colts, Rangers goalkeeper Luke Hughes was in inspired form as he produced a series of crucial saves to secure a valuable 3-2 victory for his team.

AFC Raeburn closed the gap on leaders Parkgate St Germain to just two points with a ruthless 10-0 demolition of Lighthouse. Tyler Smith was in unstoppable form, scoring six times, with Dan Piggot and Jack Hoijord both adding doubles.

Lottie Dod FC continued their fine form with a 3-1 win over MSC Eastham, thanks to goals from Alex Clarke, Matty Crawford and Alex Pitt. Jack Hughes replied for Eastham. Lottie Dod now sit fourth level on points with West Kirby United (third), who beat Ridgewood 3-0 thanks to a Tom Fleming double and a Ben Banks strike.

AFC Tima were in clinical mood as Grant Reay hit a hat-trick and both Charlie Roberts and Ryan “Fishcake” Innes netted twice in a 7-1 victory over West Kirby Wasps. Ben Moffat scored the Wasps’ only goal.