Appley Bridge’s Relentless Attack Powers Them to Guildhall Cup Quarter-Finals

Division One

Cherrybrook 4-1 Hoole United

Cherrybrook FC delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Hoole United. Cherrybrook showcased their attacking flair in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Ben Finch anchoring the defence in goal. Goals from Jack Crowther, Lewis Barlow, Tom Holland, and an own goal highlighted their dominance, despite a brief Hoole resurgence after a missed penalty by Robbie Heaton. Crowther’s first-half opener and Barlow’s looping header set the tone, while Holland’s clinical finish and the late own goal sealed the win.

Player of the Match Lewis Barlow stood out for his solid defensive work and crucial goal, while Cherrybrook’s relentless pressure ensured Hoole struggled to keep up. Finch’s key save before halftime and Maxwell-Argue’s assist for Holland’s goal demonstrated the team’s all-around quality. The victory keeps Cherrybrook’s upward momentum in the league as they continue to impress with their cohesive play.

Cube FC 1-4 Standish St Wilfirds

Standish St Wilfrids Reserves delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, January 18th, cruising to a 4-1 victory over Cube FC. Jack Saunders broke the deadlock in the 9th minute with a composed finish, setting the tone for an exhilarating display. Alexander Favell then stole the show with a clinical hat-trick, finding the net in the 12th, 15th, and 76th minutes. The home side’s lone response remains undocumented, leaving them unable to challenge the visitors’ dominance. This crucial win catapults Standish St Wilfrids Reserves from 7th to 4th place in the table, now just three points behind Sir Tom Finney, as they set their sights on the top spots.

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 3-3 Sir Tom Finney

In a pulsating encounter, Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves and Sir Tom Finney played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The visitors struck first with an unfortunate own goal in the 12th minute, but Tomas Wright quickly levelled the score just three minutes later. Wright then doubled his tally in the 34th minute to put the home side ahead, only for Ibrahim Alsenoussi to restore parity before the break with a composed finish in the 41st minute.

The second half began with Alsenoussi completing his brace in the 49th minute, putting Sir Tom Finney back in the lead, but Wright was not to be outdone, completing his hat-trick in the 65th minute to secure a hard-fought point for the hosts. Despite the drama, the result leaves both sides unchanged in the league standings, as they continue to fight for momentum in the season ahead.

Division Two

Fleetwood Hesketh 2-2 Westgate Hawks

Fleetwood Hesketh and Westgate Hawks battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in a game that had everything from drama to crucial table implications. Chris Kavanagh opened the scoring for the Hawks in the 30th minute with a sharp finish, giving the visitors a deserved halftime lead. Fleetwood responded emphatically in the second half, as Michael Challis equalized in the 55th minute before Frankie Pearson completed the turnaround with a clinical strike in the 66th minute.

But the Hawks weren’t finished—Devon Hill came to their rescue in the 83rd minute, levelling the game with a composed effort. The result sees Westgate Hawks climb one spot in the table, leap-frogging Astley FC Reserves. Both sides now sit level on points, though the Hawks boast a superior goal difference of -8 compared to Astley’s -30, keeping their momentum alive in the league.

Middleton & Overton Sports FC 5-3 Wigan Rovers

In a thrilling encounter at Middleton & Overton Sports FC, the home side came from behind to secure a dramatic 5-3 win over Wigan Rovers. The match exploded into life early on, with Jamie McGowan scoring twice in quick succession at the start of the game, putting Middleton 2-0 up by the 15th minute. However, Wigan Rovers responded strongly, with Thomas Bayliss pulling one back in the 35th minute, followed by Tom Walsh leveling the score just before the break, making it 2-2 at halftime.

The second half was just as thrilling, with Walsh putting Wigan in front for the first time in the 67th minute. But Middleton & Overton weren’t done yet. McGowan, who had been a constant threat, equalized again in the 76th minute, before substitute Cameron Isherwood put Middleton ahead 4-3 in the 79th minute. Kieran Potts sealed the win with a fifth goal just three minutes later. Despite the rollercoaster of emotions, the result had no impact on the league standings, with both teams remaining in their current positions.

Division Three

Bickerstaffe Reserves 3-2 Bay Rangers FC A

In a tight and hard-fought contest, Bickerstaffe Reserves came out on top with a 3-2 victory over Bay Rangers FC A. The match saw both teams battling it out for supremacy, with Bickerstaffe edging ahead to secure the win, although the scorers for both sides remain undocumented. Despite the narrow margin, Bickerstaffe’s resilience paid off as they held on to their advantage, securing the three points. This result leaves the league standings unchanged, with both teams staying in their current positions following the match.

Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves 1-1 Marsh United Reserves

In a tightly contested match, Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves and Marsh United Reserves played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Charles Whitworth was the lone scorer for the home side, giving Broughton the lead with a well-taken goal. However, Marsh United Reserves responded strongly, finding the equalizer through an undisclosed scorer. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match ended in a stalemate, leaving both sides with a point apiece. The result had no impact on the table positions, as both teams remained in their current spots.

Guildhall Cup

Appley Bridge 6-3 AFC Ainsdale

Appley Bridge stormed into the quarter-finals of the Guildhall Cup with an electrifying 6-3 victory over AFC Ainsdale in a game that saw all the drama packed into the first 45 minutes. The home side came out firing, with Declan Ashurst opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute. Daniel Atkins then took center stage, netting a remarkable hat-trick in just eight minutes with goals in the 10th, 12th, and 18th minutes, leaving the visitors shell-shocked. Patrick Staunton briefly gave AFC Ainsdale hope in the 17th minute, but Ashurst struck again in the 35th minute to restore Appley Bridge’s dominance.

AFC Ainsdale fought valiantly, with Liam Mackie pulling one back in the 31st minute and Staunton grabbing his second in the 39th to make it 5-3. However, Rhys Evans capped off the scoring for Appley Bridge just before halftime with a clinical finish in the 42nd minute. The visitors had their moments, including a penalty save by keeper Andy Thorpe in the 25th minute, but they couldn’t keep pace with the relentless Appley Bridge attack.

The second half saw a more controlled performance from Appley Bridge, as they managed the game to secure their place in the quarter-finals. With a lethal attacking display and standout performances from Ashurst, Atkins, and Evans, Appley Bridge made a strong statement as they continue their Guildhall Cup campaign.

Broughton Amateurs 0-0 Burscough Dynamo

In a tense and cagey encounter, Broughton Amateurs and Burscough Dynamo played out a goalless draw in regular time, but it was Burscough Dynamo who triumphed 3-0 in the penalty shootout to progress to the quarter-finals of the Guildhall Cup. Both teams struggled to break the deadlock during the 90 minutes, with solid defensive performances from both sides keeping the scoreline level. As the match went to penalties, it was Burscough Dynamo who held their nerve, converting all three of their spot-kicks without reply, sending them through to the next round.

Castle FC 3-3 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs

Castle FC edged past Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs in a dramatic Guildhall Cup tie, triumphing 3-1 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw in regular time. Jakub Kowalik was the hero for Castle, finding the net in the 31st and 70th minutes, while Matthew Thomson added a crucial goal in the 55th minute. The visitors fought tooth and nail, with Jonathan Scholes, Connor Tierney, and Robert Wincer each stepping up to keep Southport & Ainsdale in the contest.

As the match ended deadlocked, it all came down to the nerve-shredding penalty shootout. Castle FC held their composure, converting three spot-kicks to secure their place in the quarter-finals, leaving the visitors heartbroken. It was a cup tie filled with passion and drama, with Castle FC advancing as they continue their quest for silverware.

Marsh United 7-3 Tarleton Corinthians

Marsh United delivered a scintillating performance to storm into the quarter-finals of the Guildhall Cup, dismantling premiership side Tarleton Corinthians with a commanding 7-3 victory. Aaron Hoyle and Daniel Smith were the stars of the show, both netting hat-tricks in a display of ruthless finishing. James McVittie also got his name on the scoresheet, capping off a remarkable attacking display by the underdogs. Marsh United’s energy and precision proved too much for Tarleton, who struggled to contain the home side’s relentless onslaught.

The visitors, to their credit, did find moments of inspiration, with George David Carrington striking in the 15th minute, Liam Robson Wells following up in the 22nd, and Edward Latimer adding a third in the 65th minute. But Marsh United’s dominance was never in question, as they outplayed their premiership opponents from start to finish. This emphatic win not only secures Marsh United’s spot in the quarter-finals but also sends a clear message that they are serious contenders in this year’s Guildhall Cup.

Preston Wanderers 4-4 Highgrove

Preston Wanderers triumphed 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 4-4 draw against fellow premiership side Highgrove in the Guildhall Cup, booking their place in the quarter-finals. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging blows throughout the 90 minutes. Daniel Gardner, Charlie Sergeant, Finlay Stewart, and substitute Ryan Cromie were the scorers for Preston, each finding the net in a fast-paced and exciting encounter.

Highgrove matched their hosts every step of the way, with Samuel Beacham (20′), Lewis McGrath (25′), Joshua Collins (35′), and Oliver Jordan (60′) all getting on the scoreboard. Despite Highgrove’s efforts, it was Preston Wanderers who held their nerve in the penalty shootout, converting four of their penalties to secure the win. A well-earned victory for Wanderers, who progress to the quarter-finals after a thrilling encounter with one of their premiership rivals.

Shevington 1-1 Walmer Bridge

Shevington edged past Walmer Bridge in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Guildhall Cup, after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regular time. Louie Fitzpatrick was the man for Shevington, converting from the penalty spot to give the home side a deserved lead. Walmer Bridge responded through Zak Deaves, who found the equalizer, ensuring a tense finish to an otherwise closely contested match.

As the game ended all square, the tie went to penalties, where Shevington held their nerve. They converted four of their spot-kicks, while Walmer Bridge could only manage three, sending the home side through to the next round. It was a gutsy performance from both teams, but Shevington ultimately triumphed in the shootout to continue their Guildhall Cup journey.

Standish St Wilfrids 5-1 Astley FC

Standish St Wilfrids produced a dominant second-half display to secure a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Astley FC, progressing to the quarter-finals of the Guildhall Cup. It was Astley FC who took the lead in the 33rd minute, with Luke Robinson scoring a well-taken goal to put the visitors ahead. However, Standish responded just before the break as Samir Sobeih leveled things up in the 40th minute, sending the teams into halftime all square at 1-1.

The second half was all Standish, as they took control and never looked back. Ross Ellison put the home side ahead in the 50th minute, and Sobeih completed his brace in the 62nd, before sealing his hat-trick in the 78th minute to make it 4-1. Substitute Daniel George Paul Holden rounded off the scoring in the 84th minute, ensuring a resounding 5-1 win for Standish St Wilfrids. It was a dominant display from the home side, who now look ahead to their quarter-final clash in the Guildhall Cup.

LCFA Saturday Junior Cup

FC Eagle Open Age Madrid 3-3 (PENS 4-5) Bickerstaffe

In a thrilling encounter in the Liverpool County FA Saturday Junior Cup, FC Eagle Open Age Madrid and Bickerstaffe played out an intense 3-3 draw, with Bickerstaffe ultimately prevailing 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The game was a seesaw battle, with both teams showing attacking intent throughout. Bickerstaffe took the lead through Alex Grisedale, followed by Matthew Bailey adding a second and Shaun Smyth grabbing a third, putting them in a strong position.

However, FC Eagle Madrid fought back valiantly, leveling the score at 3-3 by the final whistle. It was a tense and unpredictable game, but the drama didn’t end there. The match went to penalties, where Bickerstaffe held their nerve, converting five of their spot-kicks to secure the win. This victory earns Bickerstaffe a well-deserved spot in the quarter-finals of the Liverpool County FA Saturday Junior Cup, where they will now look to push on and continue their cup run.