Weather curtails programme only 2 games played

The worst weather of the winter to date reduced Saturday’s Carlsberg West Cheshire programme to just 2 games. In one of these West Kirby gained ground on the sides above them in Division 1 while the other was an 11 goal thriller in Division 3, played in one of the most impressive stadiums in non-league football. West Kirby paid a visit to Mossley Hill Athletic and following on from last week’s enthralling 3-3 draw with Vauxhall Motors Reserves, the seaside outfit again found the net three times but on this occasion restricted their opponents to just one goal in reply. Mike McGraa has taken on a new lease of life since taking on the strikers role for Kirby and added to his already impressive tally while Dave and Chris Bowe were also on target. Dave Smiley hit Athletic’s reply. Still with games in hand over the majority of the teams above them, Ian Thomas’s outfit lie in 6th place while Athletic are 10th.
Saturday’s other contest at Widnes Town was never in doubt. The 3rd Division side play their home games at the all seater Stobart Stadium, the home of Rugby League Super League outfit Widnes Vikings. Twelve months ago Vikings owner Steve O’Connor forked out for the latest thing in artificial pitches, a G4 surface known as the i-pitch. Consequently games go ahead in virtually all conditions and Widnes and their opponents Neston Nomads were able to enjoy their regular game of Saturday afternoon football while many of their counterparts were suffering the miseries of Christmas shopping. Both sides went on to display an open game of attacking football that produced no fewer than 11 goals with 7 of them going to the hosts. Widnes made all the early running but it was Nomads who drew 1st blood when in the 14th minute Alex Clare latched on to a long clearance and fired the ball into the corner of the net. Seven minutes later Widnes were level thanks to a long range effort by Dave Worsley and shortly afterwards Bob McLean edged them in front when he picked up a loose ball and slipped it into the net. Widnes went further ahead just after the half hour when Paul Cliff converted a penalty but Nomads quickly hit back to reduce the arrears thanks to Nick Jones’ superb 25 yarder. As the teams left the field at halftime the electric scoreboard displayed 4-2 to the hosts due to Dave Worsley completing his double with a header. Early in the 2nd period it was McLean who celebrated a 2nd goal as he picked up on a slick through ball to put his side 5-2 ahead. The game continued to swing from end to end and Nomads again reduced the deficit when Clare was left with a tap-in after a shot had been parried, with the player then leaving the field through injury. In the 69th minute Widnes were awarded a 2nd penalty and although Cliff’s effort was initially saved he was able to follow up to make it 6-3. Still the scoring wasn’t over and Nick Jones became the 4th player to bag a brace when he netted from close range but it was the hosts who were to have the last say as Will Mayers completed a 7-4 scoreline in injury time. So ended an entertaining 3rd Division encounter, witnessed by a crowd approaching three figures, which was a credit to both sides.
On Wednesday Division 1table toppers Cammell Laird Reserves eagerly grabbed the chance for some on field action when taking on hosts Marine Reserves at their Arriva Stadium. Lairds were able to stretch their lead at the top when edging to a 2-1victory over their 5th placed opponents. Jonathon Atkinson and John Wheadon were the men on the mark for Lairds while David Ojapah responded for The Mariners.

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