Houlihan's BSL News 28th September

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 28 September 2025

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

In David Tacy Cup first-round action, Upton Willows progressed to the next stage following a 4-3 win over Eastham Rangers.

Goals from Owen Hollywood, Harry Bough, Alex Broadbent, and a Joe Levey penalty saw them through, despite Eastham finding the net through Harry Huggins, Jack Cooke, and Martin Marshell.

Lukes FC also recorded a four-goal performance, with Leon Jones, Brandon Smith, Jack Brookes, and Kyle Bennett all on the scoresheet in a 4-1 away win against West Kirby Wasps.

MSC Eastham looked set to cause an upset against in-form Higher Bebington Kelma, taking a 2-0 lead through Corey Jenkins and Henry Robotham. However, late goals from Lewis Simpson and Paddy Bell brought Kelma level, and they went on to win 4-2 in the resulting penalty shootout, preserving their unbeaten start to the season.

Oxton Celtic edged Victoria Colts 2-1, with regular scorers Mike Manser and Sean Deeham again on target. Mike Williams replied for Colts.

Elsewhere, Saughall cruised to a 6-1 victory over Parkgate St Germain, with Harvey O’Brien netting four and Andy Noonan adding a brace. Ben Swift scored the solitary goal for Parkgate.

Rig Move were in dominant form as Daniel Woodcock scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over West Kirby United. Corey Bevan, Simon Thelwell and Callum Freeman completed the scoring.

Seamus O’Donnells saw off Glenavon Athletic 4-1, with goals from Jack Gibson, Stuey Davies, Sam Copley, and Lincoln Fehily.

Lions picked up a solid win over Ridgewood FC, thanks to goals from Gareth Craven and Matt Lydiate.

AFC Shaftes recorded a much-needed victory as Nathen Hickson struck a hat-trick in their 6-0 triumph over Lighthouse FC. Eddie Jebb, Fin Smith and Jack Reeves also got in on the act.

AFC Rangers had Chris Carress and Darren Sutton on target, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-2 defeat to Lottoe Dod FC, who secured the win through a brace from Liam Pitt and one from Alex Clarke. AFC Raeburn saw off AFC Tima 2-0 with Jack Hoijord scoring alongside an own goal.

In Houlihan’s Premier Division, Whitby Rangers climbed into second place following a 4-2 victory over Rock Ferry Social. Aiden Hill netted twice, with further goals from Matty Vickers and Dom Hopp. Jayden Jones and Rory Aldiss replied for Rock Ferry.

Cheshire Cheese remained in contention with a narrow 2-1 win against Lancelyn. Connor Rowlands and Kie Frost found the net for Cheese, while Kian Hamm scored for Lancelyn.

Dock made a strong statement with a 7-2 win over Fender. George Nugent struck twice, with further goals from Josh Henry, Jamie Eaton, Ben Wood, Jamie Harvey, and an own goal. Fender’s responses came via Billy Rainbow and Carl Navarro.

KRCT Bidston claimed a 2-0 win over Bushell Athletic thanks to goals from Dega Taylor and Ben Kearney.

In Division One, Athletic VH moved to the top of the table with a commanding 6-0 win against The Dell FC. James Dawson led the way with a hat-trick, supported by a Zak Catesby brace and a goal from Lewis McKeown.

This Sunday, three sides will represent the league in the F.A. National Sunday Cup. Woodchurch, Dock, and Queens Park all face opposition from the Liverpool Business Houses League, and support for the teams is very much encouraged.

Dock will take on The Molley at Cammell Lairds, with an 11am kick-off. Woodchurch are away to Custys FC, being played at Lower Breck FC, kicking off at 2pm, while Queens Park host Mayfair at Vauxhalls, also at 2pm.

Best of luck to all three teams flying the flag for the league. Sunday also brings second-round action in the Cheshire Cup—best wishes to all our teams involved in that competition as well.