Cadwallader scores after 14 seconds

Chester Nomads striker John Cadwallader laid claim to one the fastest ever goals in the history of the Pyke Cup competition when putting his side ahead after just 14 seconds of their 1st round tie against league leaders Cammell Laird Reserves. He followed up Kieran Smith’s cross that had come back off the bar to set his side on their way to an eventual 2-1 success. Lairds cancelled out the early opener of an entertaining encounter when Josh Hughes superbly volleyed home from 20 yards in the 61st minute but although Lairds did most of the 2nd half pressing, Steve Cunningham’s snap shot with 16 minutes remaining booked Nomads a place in round 2. Hale displayed their fighting qualities when twice coming from behind to force extra time at Heswall. But fate dealt them a cruel hand when injury reduced them to 10 men for that period after they had used up all their substitutes and the hosts went on to claim a 3-2 victory. Paul Howell, Paul Ellison and Lee Dunbar struck for Heswall as Chris Piercy and Andy Cashmore hit levelers for the visitors. Competition winners for the last 2 seasons, Maghull, went out at the 1st time of asking this time round as Timmy Bigland’s double coupled with a Jack Ford effort saw Christleton emerge as 3-1 winners and Vauxhall Motors Reserves put an end to Marine Reserves’ hopes as Jason Renshaw, Chris Banasko and Marcus Jones netted in their side’s easier than expected 3-0 triumph. West Kirby had matters much to their liking when rattling in 4 goals without reply at Upton AA where Mick McGraa was again amongst the goals with a brace which was supplemented by Terry Cotgrave and Chris Barrow. League strugglers Ellesmere Port [Dean Numm, Hadyn Cooper, Nathan Eccleston] forced extra time at Newton where the hosts eventually ran out 5-3 victors courtesy of Dave Thompson,2, Liam Smith,2, and Paul Foy and a Ryan Powell double spearheaded Mossley Hill Athletic’s 2-1 away day triumph at Blacon YC who had Aiden Shannon replying.
Mallaby took advantage of South Liverpool’s cup commitments to join them on 30 points at the top of Division 2 when a John Hedges treble featured in their 4-1 defeat of Prescot Cables Reserves while Helsby, with Ian Cox firing a double, enjoyed a similar sized victory over Heswall Reserves. At the other end of the table, Mersey Royal [Anthony Povall, Luke Baugh] still seek their 1st win after Beb Athletic [Lloyd Ithell, 2, Richard Feightman, Steve Duckers, Alex Hale] enjoyed a 5-2 success at their expense but West Kirby Reserves [James Atherton, Stewart Jackson, Shaun Skillen] garnered 3 welcome points when getting the better of Ashville Reserves [Lee Forsythe, Kyle Birch] by the odd goal in 5. Craig Blackwell was a hat trick star as Division 3 leaders Redgate Rovers eased to a 6-1 win over Beb Athletic Reserves while 2nd placed Gateacre had Joe Connelly, Martin Ho and Kevin Dickinson all bagging a brace as they trounced Ellesmere Port Reserves 8-1. Table trailers Upton AA Reserves failed to be inspired by playing at the Rugby Super League’s Stobart Stadium where hosts Widnes Town had Louis Ruddock, Alex Pybus and Liam Donnelly on target in a 3-0 triumph. Alex Clare led the way with a double as Neston Nomads won an open contest at Chester Nomads Reserves 4-2, as both sides ended the contest with 10 men.
South Liverpool breezed into round 4 of the Liverpool F.A Challenge Cup when running in 6 goals without reply at Roma as Alex Woodcock, 2, Cameron Dalton, 2, Tom Kinsella and Steve McLinden did the honours. Kenny Gambo obliged for Marshalls but they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kingsley United who went on to win 4-2 on penalties while Southport Trinity [James Doyle] lost by 4 goals to 1 at the hands of Waterloo Dock. In the 3rd round of the Liverpool F.A. Intermediate Cup, a solitary Matty Tonge strike was enough for Merseyside Police to see off the challenge of Digmore Reserves.
Robert Rowland was a 2 goal man for Bootle Youth and he was joined on the score sheet by Grant Pruden and Anthony Seddon in the 4-1 defeat of Gateacre.