Houlihan's Press Report 19 January 2025

Birkenhead Sunday League round up Sunday 19th January 2025

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Whitby Rangers, who currently sit second in Division One having won two promotions from the last three years, will hope to make it to the Premier Division this season and if Sunday’s Tony Houlihans Memorial Challenge Cup third-round game against Premier Division side Woodchurch FC is anything to go by then Whitby will have no problems competing at the top division.

Matty Vickers is the talisman of a side that has grown stronger every year and it was Vickers who led the way on Sunday with a double. Matty Hickman also netted a brace while Dom Hoppe, Tom Ruffer, and Aiden Hill all scored in a brilliant 7-0 victory over Woodchurch.

Upton Willows also had success with a 6-0 win against Fender Youth. Lewi Ward and Joey Levey each helped themselves to doubles while Blake Rowlands also netted, with the other goal being an own goal.

The big game of the day saw Beechwood dump Queens out of the Veronica Conway Cup as they won by the odd goal in five. Harvey Sample and Jamie Leyland bagged for the Queens, but Beechwood had Tom Quinn, Morgan Woods, and Jack Mcgrotty on target in a 3-2 win.

Meanwhile, Lancelyn defeated Wellington by the same 3-2 scoreline. Gabe and Ben Adams netted for The Welly, but Lancelyn had Tom Haynes in fine form as he netted a rocket and a penalty, while Christian Lewis also scored.

David Tacey third round action saw Rig Move defeat Barkers Sheridan’s 2-1 thanks to two goals from Steve Rowlands.

In the Tony Smith Cup second round, Eastham Rangers saw off the challenge of Upton Town with a commanding 4-1 victory thanks to a brace from Kieran Hodgson and singles from Callum Crowder and Jack Cooke. Upton’s consolation goal came from Tom Ward.

Higher Bebington Kelma also secured a fine 4-0 victory against Woodchurch Rovers. Liam Grealis and Liam Atherton each netted two.

League action on Sunday saw Dock AFC take a three-point lead at the top as they overcame a determined Rock Ferry side, 4-2. Hayden Cooper, Peter Morgan, Jack Kelly, and Matty Beamen each scored for Dock, while Connor Doyle and Denny McHugh got Rock Ferry’s goals.

Cheshire Cheese, who have had a fine league campaign and currently sit fourth, will feel two points were dropped against KRCT Bidston as goals from Cam Nuttall and Billy Richards gave them a 2-0 lead heading into the latter stages of the game. The Biddy, however, managed to find two goals thanks to John Mearns and Anthony Gardener to rescue a point.

Meanwhile, Bushell Athletic and Great Float played out a 1-1 stalemate. Jamie Quinn scored for Bushell while Karl Baker was the Float scorer.

Shaftesbury AFC had Nathan Hickson and the ever-green Eddie Jebb on target in a 2-0 victory over Lions FC in a result which sees Shaftes move up to fourth.

Eagle & Stirrup defeated AFC Saughall 3-2, thanks to goals from Stuey Davies, Cal Jones, and Jamie Scaz.

The only game in Division Two saw Poulton Victoria S&S move within a point of leaders Oxton Celtic thanks to a 4-1 win against Wirral Radio. Danny Kendall led the way with a brace while Ryan Mason and Liam Jameson also found the net. Josh Ross scored Radio’s consolation goal.

Athletic VH’s ruthless pursuit of Division 3 glory continued this time at the expense of MSC Eastham. James Dawson was the main man netting two, while Lewis McKeown, George Jones, Zak Catesby, and Cam Meadows all netted in an 8-0 victory which now puts VH 12 points clear.

Nearest challengers, North Wirral Saints, also helped Athletic VH’s cause by going down 2-1 against Victoria Colts. Ben Dunn’s goal was not enough for the Saints as Colts took all three points.

A special mention goes to Farmers Arms who, despite another big defeat. On Sunday, AFC Tima moved up to fourth with an 11-2 win against Farmers. Grant Reay hit a five-timer, Tom Hunt a brace while Mike Redgrift, J. Grimes, and Ryan Innes each scored for Tima.

Meanwhile, AFC Raeburn and West Kirby played out a nine-goal thriller. Adam Gunnery led the way for Raeburn with a fine hat-trick and Natas Asmonas also scored but that was not enough as West Kirby had Tom Fleming and Fin Austin on target with two goals each while Robbie Nairn also netted as West Kirby secured a 5-4 win.

Parkgate St Germain defeated AFC Rangers by the odd goal in five thanks to goals from Ryan Wright, Leuan Hughes, and Luke Hall. For Rangers, Shaun Anderson and Chris Carress got the consolation goals.