Houlihan's BSL News 31st August

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 31 August 2025

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

Fender FC’s introduction to life in the Premier Division continues to be a learning curve, but Sunday’s narrow defeat to Queens Park will offer encouragement that they can mix it with the best in what looks a fiercely competitive league.

Image(s): Lancelyn (Blue) v AFC Dock (Green)

Fender had the better of the first half, carving out several chances but failing to find the breakthrough. Just as the match looked destined to end goalless, Harvey Sample popped up in stoppage time to snatch all three points for Queens.

After narrow losses to Cheshire Cheese and Beechwood, Bushell Newton finally got off the mark with a confidence-boosting 1-0 win over Woodchurch Hotel, courtesy of a strike from Layton Harding.

KRCT Bidston bounced back from their opening day disappointment to take a point in a 2-2 draw with Rock Ferry Social, who were making their first appearance of the new campaign. Joe Dulson and John Mearns were on target for Bidston, while Ellis Jones and Josh Griffiths found the net for Rock Ferry.

Wellington maintained their unbeaten start with an impressive 3-1 win over Beechwood, a result which puts “The Welly” top of the league. Gabe Cooper, Harry Ebbrell, and Charlie Boniface all found the net, while Conor Leatt grabbed a consolation for the visitors.

Whitby Rangers continued their free-scoring start to the season with a 4-2 victory over Cheshire Cheese, making it two wins from two. Aiden Hill led the way with a brace, supported by goals from Matty Vickers and Tom Ruffer. Sean Wilson bagged both goals for Cheese in reply.

Elsewhere, Lancelyn Glenavon (pictured) saw goals from Carl Hamm and Dave McDermott go unrewarded as Dock produced a strong response. A brace from Jamie Eaton, along with goals from Joe Downey, Callum Hulmston, and Connor Courtnell, ensured Dock took all three points in a lively encounter.

Athletic VH’s began life in Division One with a 2-1 win over Upton Town. Zak Catesby and Jimmy Dawson were on target for the hosts with Joe Flyn netting a consolation for Upton.

Corsair secured their first win at the second time of asking with a 2-0 away win at AFC Shaftes, thanks to goals from Sam Saunders and Leon Clarke.

Oxton Celtic climbed to the top of Division One following a commanding 4-1 win against Seamus O’Donnel. Goals from Casey Ford, Harry Sutton, Mike Maser, and Sean Deeham sealed the points, with Alex Smith replying for Seamus.

Higher Bebington Kelma continued their free-scoring start to the Division Two campaign, netting five goals for the second game running – this time dispatching Eastham Rangers 5-1. Lewis Simpson stole the show with a clinical hat-trick, while Corey Wilson and Liam Atherton also found the net in another dominant display. Jack Cooke scored Eastham’s consolation goal.

Glenavon Athletic’s winning start to the season came to an end as they succumbed to a 5-3 defeat away at Upton Willows. Doubles from Jack Walker and Harry Bough were supplemented with a Tom Dewis strike to see Willows get off the mark.

Leon Jones struck twice, and Greg Doe added another for Lukes, but it wasn’t enough to seal the win as Woodchurch Rovers hit back through a Hayden Berry brace and a goal from Andri Azkharcmuk to see both teams settle for a point as the game ended 3-3.

Division Three action saw Parkgate St Germain make it three wins from three with a 5-2 triumph over AFC Raeburn. Alex Butterworth bagged a fine hat-trick and was supported by goals from Nick McKnight and John Gibson. Jack Hoijord and Leagh Conwell found the net for Raeburn.

West Kirby United sit second after an entertaining 4-2 victory over AFC Rangers, Ben Banks scored twice, with Matty Murphy and Fin Austin also on target. Chris Carress scored both Rangers’ goals.

AFC Tima secured their first win of the season, edging out Lighthouse FC 3-2. Grant Reay netted a brace, with Lee Burns also scoring. Lighthouse had Dom Quirk and James Marshall on the scoresheet.

A single goal from Liam Pitt was enough for Lottie Dod FC to claim a narrow 1-0 win against Ridgewood FC, while MSC Eastham enjoyed a comprehensive 4-0 win against West Kirby Wasps. Andy Grice led the way with a brace, while Corey Jenkins and Alfie Doe also found the net.