Vauxhall Motors Res come from behind twice to grab a point

Only 8 of the scheduled fixtures beat the weather in Saturday’s programme but although they themselves were incapacitated, it was still a good day for Division 1leaders Cammell Laird and title favourites Heswall. West Kirby were hoping to capitalize on one of their games in hand over the leading pair and raced into an early 2 goal lead when hosting Vauxhalls Motors Reserves. A superb Dave Webb effort that found the top corner of the net after 6 minutes was quickly followed by a trademark Chris Barrow header but the visitors fought back well to level at 2-2. Kirby harboured hopes of victory when Terry Cotgrave was on hand early in the 2nd period to edge his side in front but a late Vauxhall equalizer produced a final 3-3 scoreline. Graeme Davidson, 2, and Luke Camden were the marksmen for Vauxhalls who now lie in 3rd place. Newton’s own hopes of taking advantage of their rivals inactivity floundered in disastrous style when having 3 players dismissed as they went down 4-1 at resurgent Hale. Anthony Gray spearheaded the victory for Jim Doran’s side when grabbing a smart double which was supplemented by Andy Cashmore and Chris Gray while Ricky Agger claimed Newton’s consolation. The remaining Division 1 fixture saw Marine Reserves play host to Christleton. The Liverpool outfit is regrouping following changes to their managerial structure and on this occasion they suffered a 2-0 reversal. Christleton’s sixth win of the season coming virtue of an own goal and a Seb Walker penalty.
The two sides relegated from Division 1 last season, Willaston and Marshalls, met at the Johnson Recreation Ground. Both teams have had problems adjusting to life in a lower sphere but recently Willaston have shown signs of improvement and this was illustrated by Saturday’s 4-1 triumph. An almost comical own goal after 7 minutes created by a misunderstanding between the visiting keeper and a defender set Willaston on the way to 3 points and this was supplemented midway through the 1st period when Marshalls failed to clear a corner and home central defender Steve Rutter capitalised. Shortly before the break Anthony Clarkson arrowed home direct from a free kick to make it 3-0. On the resumption Marshalls strived to get back into the contest but, as in the 1st half, were too often let down by a poor final ball. They fell further behind just before the hour when an unmarked Peter Rutter headed a 4th for the hosts. In a late flurry of attacks Kenny Gambo found the net for Marshalls who remain worryingly just 2 places from the foot of the table. In contrast Willaston, who were close to folding during the close season, are facing the future with optimism and have been further boosted by the return of Domonic Holden to the club. The two teams below Marshalls, Mersey Royal and West Kirby Reserves, fought out a 1-1 draw at Green Lane. Ryan Youds was on target for Royal while Stewart Jackson responded for their visitors. Host side Maghull Reserves reinforced their 3rd placing when gaining a narrow 2-1 verdict over Capenhurst Villa. Farshad Baqar Parvas and Dave Hughes obliged for Maghull while Mike Banks lodged Villa’s reply.
Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves advanced to round 5 of the Liverpool Intermediate cup after an exciting odd goal in 7 victory over Old Bootleians. The victory was underpinned by Mossley goals from Jamie Hilton, Matty Moorwood, Phil Duncan and Alan Jordan. There was less joy for 3rd Division outfit Merseyside Police who lost out, 5-3 on penalties, at the same stage of the competition, to Devonshire. Earlier the sides had shared 4 goals with Tom Sumner and John McAllister posting for the Police.