League Leaders unexpected home defeat

As Mr Greaves often famously remarked to Mr St John, “it’s a funny old game” and a case in point occurred in Saturday’s weather battered Carlsberg West Cheshire programme when Division 1 leaders Cammell Laird Reserves suffered a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of struggling Upton AA. Not only that but, as the Lairds camp conceded after the final whistle blew, the visitors, who 7 days earlier had lost 8-0 at lowly Hale, were worthy winners. In the games’ early stages Lairds did most of the pressing but Simon Andrews had already gone close to giving Upton the lead when Lewis Dennan did just that in the 19th minute as he neatly controlled a through ball before finding the corner of the net. Lairds were level on the half hour when they were awarded a penalty which was expertly converted by Jonathon Atkinson. From the restart Upton almost went back in front only for Cody Blackburn to pull off a fine save from Dennan. The interval was approaching when the hosts were hit with a quickfire double salvo. Firstly defender Darren Wallace rose high to powerfully head home a right wing corner then almost immediately Owen Kelsey added number 3 with a superbly placed shot high into the net. Interested parties from title rivals were looking on as Lairds fought hard in the 2nd half to get back into the contest but Upton kept their shape well and although Davidson twice went close, Lairds were mainly reduced to long range attempts. The hosts did find the net on one occasion but it was ruled out for offside. With 2 minutes remaining Lairds gave themselves a lifeline when Liam Simon registered from close range and as time ran out Chris Hesketh was only inches away from heading an equalizer but it was Upton who were left with the 3 points that are so valuable to their fight against relegation. The other top flight contests that avoided nature’s watery clutches resulted in home wins with Christleton enjoying a 2-1 victory over champions Ashville. Seb Walker and Darren Coyle steered the hosts to a 2-0 interval lead and although Dave Bennett reduced the arrears after the break, the Chester outfit hung on to claim maximum reward. Kurt Sherlock grabbed the Division’s top individual honours when his sparkling hat trick underpinned Mossley Hill Athletic’s 3-1 defeat of Blacon YC who had Jamie Rogers as their marksman. Vauxhall Motors Reserves’ winning run was halted at Maghull who won through by the odd goal in 5. Brian McKilroy, Danny O’Connor and Phil Stafford were on target for Maghull with Ian Burrows and Jordan Brierley replying.
Maghull Reserves completed a successful day for the club as their single goal win at Mersey Royal elevated them into 3rd place in Division 2. Donald Norbury was the visitor’s marksman in a result that leaves Royal firmly routed to the foot of the table. Willaston garnered a useful 3 points from their visit to Prescot Cable Reserves. Trevor Worsley and Peter Rutter hit the victor’s goals in a 2-0 success.
Belfry now head Division 3 following their 9-2 trouncing of Upton AA Reserves. Jordan Stafford starred with a 4 goal haul, there were doubles from Jay Rainford and Colin McDonald while Jay Hurst also netted for a side who led 7-0 at the break. Sam Jones and Vidal Spaine replied for the hosts. Widnes Town continued their winning run when gaining a 6-2 verdict over Ellesmere Port Reserves in a game that was switched to the Stobart Stadium and it’s “i” pitch. Paul Cliff was a hat trick star for the Vikings, Rob McLean 2 and Joe Brizel also netted as John Morgan bagged a brace for Port. South Liverpool Reserves booked a place in the semi-finals of the West Cheshire Shield thanks to their 3-1 defeat of visiting Neston Nomads. The win was underpinned by 2 goals from Mitchell McNally which was supplemented by Sherif Yusuf while Alex Clare replied for Nomads. Marshalls Reserves breezed into round 5 of the Liverpool Intermediate cup courtesy of a resounding 8-2 win over Trojan Security as Tom Hackett,2, Tyrone O’Hare, Danny Bulayima, Rabbi Alexanre, Andy Iniabere, Danny Adeoye and Carlo Fernando netted.