Houlihan's BSL News 9th November

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 9 November

Bernie Holmes (BSL Press Officer)

Sunday served up the usual drama and talking points across the local football scene, not least the frustrating exit of Queens Park from the FA National Sunday Cup.

Image: Queens Park game against Custys in the FA National Sunday cup second round. Credit: Paul Moran

As the last local flag-bearers in the competition, their journey was halted at the second-round stage by a resolute Custys side. A goalless 90 minutes led to the dreaded penalty shootout, where Queens succumbed 4-2.

The cross-water trip is rarely straightforward, but the real pinch for Queens will be the missed opportunity, given they enjoyed a numerical advantage for most of the second half after Custys were reduced to nine men. Full credit, however, to the Liverpool outfit, who managed to maintain a credible attacking threat despite the disadvantage.

​In the Cheshire Sunday Cup, Corsair edged into the third round following a tight 2-1 win over Oxton Celtic. Kyle Bennett and Sam Saunders found the net for Corsair, while William Gill registered Oxton’s solitary reply. Reward for Corsair is now a home tie against current holders George & Dragon, who have become somewhat of a bogey side to our teams over the last few years. The match-up is set to be played at St Marys, Birkenhead Park, on 30 November.

​The David Tacy second round saw Rig Move stamp their authority with a comprehensive 4-0 triumph against Higher Bebington Kelma. The goals were shared around, courtesy of Billy Nixon, Reegan Riach, Lewis Cooper, and Joe Humphries.

​The Premier Division delivered five games with 24 goals scored. Fender FC were the weekend’s biggest entertainers, running rampant in a 7-3 thrashing of Lancelyn. Billy Rainbow led the charge with yet another brace, supported by goals from Ellis Byrne, Ben Morris, Ray Upton, Jake Clarke, and Oscar Sergeant. For Lancelyn, Carl Hamm netted a brace, alongside another goal from youngster Teddy Galer.

​Rock Ferry Social secured a much-needed three points, overcoming Bushell Newton 2-1, thanks to efforts from Jayden Jones and Leo Patten. Jay Hanson grabbed Bushell’s consolation.

Elsewhere, Wellington and KRCT Bidston fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Gabe Cooper and Dil Thomas on target for ‘the Welly’, matched by a double from Joe Dulson for ‘the Biddy’.

​Dock AFC continued their upward trajectory, making it five wins from five and climbing to third after a 3-1 win over leaders Whitby. Long-time servants Matty Carlin, Ben Wood, and Jack Kelly provided the firepower. Rowan Whelan scored for Whitby, who have now lost their last two outings.

​The local bragging rights in the derby went to Beechwood, whose goals from Charlie MacInnes and Deniss Baker Junior secured the victory against Woodchurch, whose only goal came via an unfortunate own goal.

​In Division One’s sole fixture, Athletic VH and Seamus O’Donnells shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Lewis McKeown scored for VH before Callum Jones replied for O’Donnells.

​Division Two action saw Lions draw level on points with leaders Higher Bebington Kelma, now only trailing on goal difference. Goals from Matt Lydiate, Lewis McKnight, Luke Bryson, and a Mark Head penalty secured a 4-1 victory against Poulton Victoria S&S whose consolation came from Andy Watterson.

Woodchurch Rovers moved into third place, defeating Glenavon Lancelyn 5-2, with Hayden Gardner netting a double. Ryan Thompson, Lewis Hunt, and an own goal completed the scoring for Rovers, while George Wild and Alex Weston replied for Glenavon.

​In Division Three, leaders West Kirby United dropped valuable points against a resurgent AFC Tima. Goals from Tom Fleming, Jack Hunter, and Robbie Nairn were cancelled out by Tima’s Grant Reay who bagged a hat-trick, forcing both sides to settle for a point.

Parkgate St Germain capitalised on the slip-up to close the gap, defeating MSC Eastham 3-1, courtesy of a John Gibson brace and a Ryan Wright strike. Corey Jenkins netted Eastham’s only goal.

​AFC Raeburn secured victory with a 7-0 dismantling of AFC Rangers. Jack Hoilord bagged a hat-trick, with Tyler Sutton, Dan Piggott, Austin Nelson, and an own goal rounding out the comprehensive scoreline.

Finally, both Ridgewood and Victoria Colts claimed 4-0 victories. Ridgewood defeated Lighthouse thanks to an Adam Pickering brace, a Michael Armour goal, and an own goal, while Colts overcame West Kirby Wasps with a Gaz Dickenson double, and efforts from Daryl Hellon and Callum Lavelle.