Houlihan's Press Report 4 May 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Congratulations to Corsair FC after being crowned BSL Invitational Trophy winners, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a spirited Woodchurch Rovers side last Thursday night.

On Sunday in Premier Division action, Lancelyn once again came out on top against Beechwood, this time securing a 2-1 win thanks to a dramatic last-gasp winner from James Kirkham. The game looked destined to finish level after earlier goals from Joe Ly for Beechwood and John McDonald for Lancelyn, but Kirkham’s late strike ensured all three points for his side.

Queens Park edged Bushell Athletic by the odd goal in five, thanks to goals from Aaron Rainbow, Joss Abbot, and Joel Whalley. Bushell pushed them all the way, with Ben Glover netting a brace in reply, but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.

Division One saw Whitby Rangers record a 3-2 victory over local rivals Rig Move FC—a result that secured them promotion to the Premier Division. It’s a fantastic achievement for a side that started their journey in Division 3 just four seasons ago. Goals from Matty Vickers, Kie Fair, and Matty Hickman ensured they finished their campaign on a high.

In Division Two, Upton Town rounded off their season in emphatic fashion with a 9-0 demolition of Catons FC. Will O’Leary, Josh Ross, and Luke Dixon each bagged a brace, with Aaron Bird and Gareth Myers also getting in on the act in a ruthless display.

Feeneys FC will finish the season in third place after a solid 3-1 win over Higher Bebington Kelma. Goals from Max Carvell, Adam Walker and Mitch Francis sealed the result. Meanwhile, Upton Willows also secured a 3-1 victory, this time over Saughall FC.

Despite already having secured the Division 3 title, Athletic VH showed no signs of easing up as they put nine past Fender Youth in a 9-2 rout. George Jones and Lewis McKeowne helped themselves to a pair of goals each, while Zak Catesby, Sam Croll, Harper Farnsworth, Howard Willett, and Luke Francis also got their names on the scoresheet.

North Wirral Saints kept up their strong finish with a 2-0 win over second-placed Glenavon, courtesy of goals from Alex Fletcher and Sean Wright.

Elsewhere, AFC Rangers proved too strong for Victoria Colts, running out 4-1 winners with Matt Lydiate grabbing a brace and Lewis McKnight and Shaun Anderson adding one apiece.

West Kirby Wasps completed a convincing 3-0 win over MSC Eastham. Matty Brady, Jake Roberts and Charlie Holton were all on target in a confident performance.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Beechwood and Bushell Athletic will go head-to-head in the final of the Tony Houlihan Memorial Trophy, with kick-off set for 2pm at Ashville FC.