With Mother Nature calling most of the shots, the few surviving fixtures brought the heat to kick off the season in style.

The new year may have started with a downpour, but 2025 kicked off with plenty of excitement for the few teams lucky enough to beat the weather. Out of the 17 fixtures scheduled for Saturday, only four survived Mother Nature’s wrath, as waterlogged pitches and relentless rain wreaked havoc on the league. Despite the disruptions, the games that went ahead delivered all the drama and passion you’d expect from the first matches of the year. From late goals to hard-fought battles, it was a wet but wonderful start to the 2025 campaign for those who braved the elements.

Premiership

Burscough Dynamo 3-2 Standish St Wilfrids
It was a thrilling encounter at Burscough as the hosts edged out Standish St Wilfrids in a five-goal spectacle. Joshua Murray and Luke Murray were in scintillating form, both finding the net to set the tone for Dynamo. Super sub Curtis Carberry sealed the victory, ensuring the home crowd went home happy. Standish fought valiantly, with Ross Ellison breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute and James Harrison levelling things in the 38th. Despite their efforts, it was Burscough who triumphed in this action-packed clash.

Division One

Sir Tom Finney 3-2 Leyland RAFA
The drama at Sir Tom Finney FC was nothing short of blockbuster material. The home side raced to an early lead with Jonathan Ssekiziyiyu striking in the 10th minute and Michael Rogers doubling it by the 20th. Leyland RAFA refused to go down quietly, with Harry Billingsley pulling one back. The tension rose as sub Nathaniel Colwell leveled the score, setting up a nail-biting finish. But Adiran Barbu had the final say, smashing in the winner in the 81st minute to secure all three points for the hosts.

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 2-2 Cherrybrook
A mystery wrapped in an enigma! This Division One clash saw goals flying in, but with no teamsheet and no documented scorers, the finer details remain shrouded in secrecy. What we do know is that both sides left the field with honors even, sharing the spoils in an intriguing 2-2 draw.

Division Two

AFC Ainsdale Reserves 0-1 Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves
The clash between AFC Ainsdale Reserves and Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves proved to be a game of fine margins, with the visitors eking out a narrow 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came early, as Elliot Mooring latched onto a well-timed pass in the 16th minute to slot home the only goal of the game. Ainsdale Reserves pushed hard to find an equalizer, but Middleton’s defense stood firm, showcasing their resilience against wave after wave of attacks.

Middleton’s bench played a pivotal role in their success, with a string of substitutions maintaining their intensity and focus. Key tactical changes, including the introductions of Jake Dwyer and Luke Armstrong before halftime, ensured fresh legs kept the hosts at bay. Despite Ainsdale’s spirited effort and the soggy conditions, Middleton held their nerve to claim all three points and start their 2025 campaign on a winning note.

The last weekend of 2024’s action saw teams leave it all on the pitch, with dominant displays, late winners, and jaw-dropping performances lighting up the league. Castle FC stole the show with a resounding 8-0 demolition of Astley FC Reserves, proving that they were in no mood for festive charity. Elsewhere, Marsh United put on an attacking clinic in their 6-2 victory, while AFC Ainsdale Reserves hit lucky number seven against Bay Rangers FC A.

In the Premiership, Broughton Amateurs edged out a determined Walmer Bridge with a late strike, and Standish St Wilfrids cruised to a confident 3-0 win over Shevington. Tarleton Corinthians turned on the late fireworks, coming from behind to defeat Burscough Dynamo 2-1. Division One and Two had their own goal-fests, but Adam Thomas of Hoole United stood out with a superb hat-trick in their 4-0 triumph. With 2024 now wrapped up, these thrilling results will leave fans buzzing as teams look ahead to the New Year!

Premiership

Broughton 1-0 Walmer Bridge
Broughton delivered a gritty performance to edge Walmer Bridge in a tight contest. The early exchanges were all Broughton, with Jones, Gough, and Fry tormenting the visitors’ backline. Missed opportunities and the post rattling kept the score level as Walmer Bridge found their footing. Just as frustration loomed large, Liam Bell stepped up in the 80th minute. Matthias’ sublime chip teased the bar, and Bell pounced like a poacher to net the game’s only goal, securing three hard-earned points.

Standish St Wilfrids 3-0 Shevington
Standish St Wilfrids didn’t waste any time getting the party started! Just five minutes in, Ross Ellison delivered a strike that rippled the net, sending Shevington into early panic. James Harrison doubled the tally in the 18th minute, calmly slotting home after a slick attacking move. At halftime, Standish fans were buzzing, while Shevington looked for answers to a dominant first-half display.

The second half saw Shevington push for a reply, but Standish’s defense held firm. Any comeback hopes were extinguished in the 68th minute when Johan Du Toit smashed home a third to wrap up a perfect day for the home side. Shevington trudged off knowing it was Standish’s day to shine.

Tarleton Corinthians 2-1 Burscough Dynamo
Late drama reigned supreme here as Tarleton Corinthians snatched victory from the jaws of a draw! After Joshua Murray gave Burscough the lead, George David Carrington turned the tables with a 15-minute masterclass—netting twice (65th and 80th minutes). Tarleton fans went home chanting Carrington’s name, while Burscough was left wondering how it slipped away.

Division One

Cube FC 1-5 Appley Bridge
Appley Bridge brought their shooting boots and made Cube FC pay! Jordan Gore broke the deadlock in the 5th minute, and Daniel Atkins followed with a rapid-fire brace (20, 30). After the break, Rhys Evans added more pain with a 53rd-minute strike before James Rimmer capped it off at the hour mark. Cube FC will want to forget this one quickly.

Hoole United 4-0 Ribchester Rovers
Hoole United made short work of Ribchester Rovers, and it all started with Adam Thomas’ magic touch. In just the 15th minute, Thomas coolly converted the opener, and Ribchester’s uphill battle began. The visitors held on until halftime, but cracks appeared in the second half. William Gaughan fired in Hoole’s second in the 52nd minute, and from there, it was the Thomas show.

Adam Thomas completed his hat-trick in devastating fashion, scoring in the 60th and 72nd minutes to leave Ribchester defenders shaking their heads. A dominant 4-0 win for Hoole United, with Thomas taking home the match ball and all the plaudits.

Leyland RAFA 4-1 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves
Leyland RAFA were in fine form, dismantling their opponents with a mix of class and composure. Richard Coley bagged a stylish brace, while Ryan Joyce and Aaron Wilson also etched their names on the scoresheet. Southport could only watch as Leyland ran rampant!

Sir Tom Finney 3-4 Astley FC
This was an absolute thriller with goals raining in from all angles! Sir Tom Finney FC put up a strong fight with goals from Kiran Collister, Michael Rogers, and super-sub Adrian Barbu. But Astley FC’s strikeforce proved too strong. James Knott led the charge with a double (43, 51), Charles Young joined the party (45), and Adam Lord snuck in a late decider in the 78th minute. A seven-goal classic!

Division Two

Castle FC 8-0 Astley FC Reserves
It was all Castle FC in this rout as they romped to a dominant 8-0 victory. With no team sheet to highlight heroes, let’s just say everyone in Castle colours likely enjoyed a slice of glory.

Marsh United 6-2 New Longton Rovers
It was a goal-fest for Marsh United as they brushed aside New Longton Rovers in a thrilling clash. Aaron Hoyle got the hosts off to a flyer in the 32nd minute before Kian Wilson Stewart doubled the lead just before halftime. However, New Longton pulled one back immediately after the break through Mark Pearson, sparking hopes of a comeback. Those hopes were short-lived as Connor Wallis restored Marsh’s cushion with a 51st-minute strike.

Brandon Hale made things interesting with a second for New Longton at 3-2, but Marsh United had other ideas. Aaron Hoyle turned on the afterburners, netting twice more to complete his hat-trick, while Daniel Martin added a 79th-minute goal for good measure. Hoyle’s late heroics ensured a comfortable 6-2 win for Marsh, capping off a performance to remember.

Division Three

AFC Ainsdale Reserves 7-0 Bay Rangers FC A
AFC Ainsdale Reserves ran riot in a one-sided affair, leaving Bay Rangers FC A shell-shocked. The goals kept coming, and while the scorers remain a mystery, the scoreline speaks for itself—seven unanswered goals and an afternoon to forget for Bay Rangers.

Middleton & Overton Sports FC Reserves 1-3 Bickerstaffe Reserves
Jamie McGowan gave Middleton fans early hope with a goal in the 23rd minute, but Bickerstaffe Reserves had other plans. A quick turnaround before halftime saw Bickerstaffe take a 2-1 lead, and they never looked back. Middleton fought to get back into the game, but Bickerstaffe wrapped up the points with a second-half strike to win 3-1.

Shevington Reserves 1-3 Wyre Villa Reserves
Shevington Reserves started brightly but couldn’t handle Wyre Villa’s firepower. Travis Stringellow was the star of the show, bagging a clinical brace to leave the hosts chasing the game. Toby Smith added another for Wyre Villa, while Shevington grabbed a consolation goal late on. The visitors left with all three points and plenty of reason to celebrate.

Mother Nature had her say on Saturday’s action, dampening the plans for a full fixture list with her signature drizzle and frosty touch. Three matches were forced to a halt before a ball could be kicked, leaving pitches unplayable and fans disappointed. However, the remaining games delivered plenty of thrills, spills, and goals to keep the weekend alive, proving that not even a gloomy sky can dull the passion of grassroots football!

Premiership

Bickerstaffe 3-2 Eccleston & Heskin
Drama unfolded at Bickerstaffe where the home side edged out Eccleston & Heskin in a five-goal thriller! The visitors got on the board with a composed strike from Luke Drummond in the 40th minute and a sweet finish by substitute Henry Stock at 65. But alas, the away efforts weren’t enough as Bickerstaffe’s mystery scorers delivered the goods to secure all three points. A teetering match, wrapped in suspense!

Shevington 1-2 Tarleton Corinthians
Shevington and Tarleton Corinthians served up a match filled with strategy, drama, and a sprinkle of late magic. The visitors struck first, with George David Carrington delivering a piece of artistry in the 25th minute, leaving Shevington’s defence scratching their heads. The first half was a tight affair, with Tarleton’s slim lead holding firm thanks to disciplined defending and a touch of luck.

The second half saw Shevington roar back to life, and their persistence paid off when Louie Fitzpatrick powered home the equalizer in the 70th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. But just as the pendulum seemed to swing Shevington’s way, Lewis Bannister had other ideas. Five minutes later, he snatched the winner with a cool finish, ensuring Tarleton walked away with all three points. It was a chess match on the pitch, and Tarleton proved they had the final move!

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs 4-1 Preston Wanderers
A swashbuckling performance from Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs left Preston Wanderers in the dust. With four different home scorers—Oliver Riley, Jonathan Scholes, Connor Tierney, and Joseph Ramsay—the crowd was treated to a goal fest! Preston Wanderers, fielding a silent teamsheet, managed one consolation, but the Amateurs were too hot to handle.

Division One

Sir Tom Finney 1-5 Hoole United
Hoole United put on a clinic at Sir Tom Finney, racking up four first-half goals through Alfie Parker (24, 36), Ada Thomas (26), and Sam Craven (42). Craven bagged his second just after the break to crush any comeback dreams. A spirited effort by the hosts earned them a late goal, but it was a Hoole schooling on the day!

Standish St Wilfrids 1-3 Appley Bridge
Standish St Wilfrids and Appley Bridge locked horns in a local derby that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The home side drew first blood in the 24th minute, with Rob Thomas capping off some sustained pressure with a fine strike that had the crowd roaring. Standish dominated much of the first half, keeping the Bridge on the back foot, but the visitors held firm to keep the deficit to just one at the break.

The second half was a different story altogether. A tactical masterstroke from the Appley Bridge management saw their midfield revamped, and the impact was immediate. Daniel Atkins fired in the equalizer in the 50th minute, setting the tone for a stunning turnaround. Five minutes later, Clayton Beattie sent the away fans into delirium with a cool finish to make it 2-1. Standish battled hard to regain control, but the Bridge midfield stood tall, and with ten minutes to go, Atkins returned to deliver the dagger—a clinical low drive past the keeper to seal a 3-1 victory. The referee, Tony Alty, deserves a standing ovation for his superb officiating, allowing both teams to showcase their talent in a match as fiery as it was fair. This was derby football at its finest!

Division Two

Fleetwood Hesketh 1-1 New Longton Rovers
A tactical battle played out at Fleetwood Hesketh, with Frankie Pearson opening the scoring for the hosts. New Longton Rovers clawed back courtesy of George Kelly’s 52nd-minute strike. A tense end-to-end game, but both sides shared the spoils.

Marsh United 9-1 Westgate Hawks
Marsh United treated their fans to an absolute goal bonanza, steamrolling Westgate Hawks in a 9-1 spectacle. The tone was set early, with Daniel Smith opening the floodgates in the 10th minute. Kian Wilson Stewart doubled the lead in the 22nd, and Smith struck again to complete his brace before Aaron Hoyle added a classy fourth just before halftime. By the break, it was already looking grim for the Hawks, who were left chasing shadows.

The second half began with a flicker of hope for Westgate as Edward Harrison pulled one back in the 48th minute. But that was the only consolation they’d find, as Marsh United shifted back into overdrive. Smith completed his hat-trick moments later, and substitute Theo Callender got in on the act at 65 minutes. Goals from Fynlay Robert Wren and Jamie Taylor (twice) rounded out the scoring as Marsh dazzled with flair, precision, and a ruthless streak. A performance for the history books—Hawks left flattened, Marsh flying high!

Division Three

Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves 1-0 Bay Rangers
It was a nail-biter at Broughton as the Amateurs’ Reserves eked out a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bay Rangers in a game where chances were rarer than sunny Saturdays in November. Both teams were locked in a midfield battle for much of the match, with defences holding firm. Broughton came close to breaking the deadlock earlier, rattling the bar to send a gasp through the crowd, but it wasn’t until late on that the breakthrough arrived.

As the minutes ticked away and the tension soared, Charlie Whitworth became the hero of the day. Latching onto a lightning-fast counterattack in the 85th minute, he slotted home a clinical finish to send the home fans into a frenzy. The visitors pushed hard to find a response, but the Amateurs’ defence stood resolute to secure the points in a classic smash-and-grab. Football, sometimes, is all about that one golden moment!

Wyre Villa Reserves 2-1 Bickerstaffe Reserves
In a clash of the reserves, Wyre Villa eked out a narrow win over Bickerstaffe. Goals from both sides remain shrouded in mystery due to missing teamsheets, but the home side’s edge on the day carried them to a valuable three points. Football, cloaked in intrigue!

With heavy rains wreaking havoc across the leagues, only three games survived the weather. Those that went ahead delivered in style, showcasing the passion and unpredictability of local football. Let’s hope for clearer skies and more fixtures next week!

Premiership

Standish St Wilfrids 4-4 Broughton Amateurs
What a match this was! A rollercoaster of emotions for fans on both sides as the game swung like a pendulum. Standish St Wilfrids dominated possession early, but it was Broughton who delivered the first blow after 25 minutes. Liam Bell turned on the afterburners, leaving defenders in his dust, and slotted home a beauty from a tight angle. Ten minutes later, Jack Jemson decided to up the ante with a stunning 25-yard free-kick, making it 2-0 at the break.

After halftime, Standish stormed back. Joe Burkes opened their account before Ross Ellison brought the home crowd to life with a clinical equalizer. But Broughton wasn’t done. Bell completed his hat trick with two more moments of brilliance, including a penalty that left the keeper guessing. Just when Broughton thought they had snatched the win, Standish mounted a late rally, and Ellison completed his hat trick to secure a thrilling draw. Both teams deserved a standing ovation for this spectacle!

Tarleton Corinthians 1-1 Walmer Bridge
It wasn’t the most exciting of games, but it had its moments—particularly late on. Walmer Bridge struck first through a Liam Goggin penalty, earned after a clumsy challenge in the box. Tarleton had been second-best for much of the match, struggling to find rhythm in the final third against a well-organized defense.

But persistence paid off in dramatic style. With just minutes left on the clock, George David Carrington unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the area, finding the top corner and sending the home crowd into raptures. A draw felt like a fair result, with neither side able to dominate for extended periods, but it was the late drama that made this one memorable.

Division One

Astley FC 5-3 AFC Ainsdale
This game had everything—goals galore, comebacks, and a sprinkling of individual brilliance. Astley came flying out of the gates, with Jake Whitelock opening the scoring early before Jack Brindle doubled the lead with a composed finish. At halftime, the home side looked comfortable at 2-0.

AFC Ainsdale had other ideas. Charles Lunt struck just after the restart, followed by a Matt Howard equalizer, making it anyone’s game at 2-2. But Astley had an ace up their sleeve: Charles Young. Two quick goals from the striker restored their lead before Lunt added a second to keep things tense. The final blow came from James Knott, who sealed the win with a thunderous strike, sending the Astley fans into raptures.

Saturday, November 16th, served up a feast of football action, packed with jaw-dropping comebacks, relentless goal-fests, and last-gasp winners. From AFC Ainsdale’s dominant 6-0 demolition of Astley FC to Castle FC’s edge-of-your-seat stoppage-time victory over Westgate Hawks, the weekend delivered something for every fan. Jak Turner’s heroic hat-trick for Astley Reserves and Jakub Jowalik’s late winner for Castle highlighted a day where resilience reigned supreme. Meanwhile, Appley Bridge showcased their cup pedigree with a clinical display, and Preston Wanderers came out on top in a 10-goal Premiership thriller. It was a weekend that reminded us why local football is the heart and soul of the beautiful game!

Premiership

Burscough Dynamo 4-6 Preston Wanderers
It was a goal-fest at Dynamo Stadium as the net bulged 10 times in this thriller! Dylan Kenyon dazzled the home fans with a superb hat-trick, with Sam Roberts also on the scoresheet. But the Wanderers were unstoppable, led by Connor Bell’s scintillating hat-trick, with Ryan Cromie, Daniel Gardner, and Charlie Sergeant adding to Burscough’s misery in an electrifying showdown.

Highgrove 3-3 Walmer Bridge
A rollercoaster at Highgrove Park saw the points shared in dramatic fashion. Cristian Lacob struck twice in the second half (47’, 70’), and Lewis McGrath’s late heroics (85’) kept Highgrove in the game. Walmer Bridge’s Aaron Cartwright, Keyton Henry, and Carl Jukes ensured they left with a hard-earned point.

Division One

AFC Ainsdale 6-0 Astley FC
AFC Ainsdale put on a show, with Charles Lunt leading the charge early on. His double (’22, ’33) left Astley reeling before Joseph Tinsley’s cool finish (’38) sent Ainsdale into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.

The second half was a continuation of the Ainsdale masterclass. Liam Mackie added a fourth (’62), James Niedzwiecki got in on the action (’72), and Tinsley sealed the deal with his second (’75), making it a day to forget for Astley FC.

Cherrybrook 6-2 Sir Tom Finney
Cherrybrook put on a goal-scoring masterclass to dismantle Sir Tom Finney, whose two goals from Kevton Foster and Joshua Omotoyinbo were mere consolation in a game the home side dominated.

Cube FC 1-5 Hoole United
Cube FC crumbled against Hoole United’s firepower despite giving it their all at home. Tobias Foster’s quickfire double (’37, ’47) set the tone, with Elliot Marsden (’48), Harvey Torrance (’48), and Sam Craven (’85) completing the job in a commanding display.

Division Two

Astley FC Reserves 4-3 Wigan Rovers
Astley Reserves fought tooth and nail in a pulsating clash! Tomas Hodson fired the hosts ahead (’15), but Lewis Blunt (’25) and Tom Penny (’35) turned the tide for Wigan before halftime.

The second half saw drama galore. Dylan Cross extended Wigan’s lead (’60), but Jak Turner unleashed a stunning hat-trick (’60, ’75, ’87) to secure a breathtaking comeback for Astley and send their fans into raptures.

Castle FC 4-3 Westgate Hawks
Castle FC delivered a Hollywood-worthy finale in a game packed with twists! Toby Palamountain struck first (’16), but Edward Harrison’s brace (’28, ’39) and Chris Kavanagh (’46) put Westgate Hawks in control.

Castle mounted a sensational comeback in the dying minutes. Guy Spence pulled one back (’77), George Stokes leveled it late (’89), and Jakub Jowalik completed the dramatic turnaround (’90+3) to snatch a famous victory.

Middleton & Overton Sports FC 0-3 New Longton Rovers
A second-half blitz saw New Longton take the points. An unfortunate own goal (’52) opened the floodgates, with Brandon Hale (’53) and George Kelly (’55) piling on the misery for Middleton & Overton.

Division Three

Bickerstaffe Reserves 13-1 Middleton & Overton Sports FC
An absolute demolition at Bickerstaffe, as the Reserves ran riot, hammering 13 goals past Middleton & Overton. Michael Nye’s late consolation (’89) barely softened the blow in a match they’ll want to forget.

Walmer Bridge Reserves 2-4 Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves
A competitive clash saw Clive Zimheni’s brace give Walmer Bridge hope, but it was Broughton who took the spoils with strikes from Jonathan Gough (2), Oliver Jones, and Amadou Diallo sealing the deal.

Wyre Villa Reserves 1-2 Marsh United Reserves
Marsh United edged a gritty battle, with Jack Ashworth’s goal for Wyre Villa not enough to cancel out Marsh’s clinical finishing to secure the win.

Lancashire FA Amateur Cup

Atherton Town Reserves 8-1 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
Atherton Town Reserves cruised into the next round, with Jack Barton scoring Southport’s lone goal in a match dominated by the home side from start to finish.

Marsh United 1-5 Standish St Wilfrids
Standish powered through Marsh United, thanks to Samir Sobeih’s sensational hat-trick and Adam Simpkin’s solo strike. Aaron Hoyle’s lone goal (’35) was a bright spot in an otherwise tough day for Marsh.

Thornton Cleveleys A 0-3 Appley Bridge
Appley Bridge was clinical in their cup triumph over Thornton Cleveleys. Declan Ashurst broke the deadlock (’30) before Daniel Atkins took over, netting twice in the second half (’50, ’80) to secure a professional performance from the visitors.

Before the action kicked off, teams across the league paused to honor Remembrance Sunday, paying their respects with a solemn minute’s silence. Players, coaches, and fans stood side by side, heads bowed in reflection for those who served. In this touching tribute, each team united in a moment of remembrance before they returned to the competitive spirit of the day’s fixtures. It was a powerful reminder of the shared history and resilience that brings communities together, both on and off the field.

Premiership

Broughton Amateurs 4-3 Preston Wanderers
In a thrilling seven-goal showdown, Broughton Amateurs held off a relentless Preston Wanderers for a narrow 4-3 victory. The home side struck first, with James Charlson bagging two, proving his place as the man to watch. Liam Bell also got on the scoresheet, and Oliver Jones made a memorable mark as a sub, securing Broughton’s lead. Preston Wanderers didn’t make it easy, though – Lewis Scanlon’s brace and a well-placed goal by Charlie Swindlehurst kept the tension high until the final whistle. This clash had the crowd buzzing, and both sides left it all on the pitch.

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs 2-2 Eccleston & Heskin
In a match that turned out to be an exercise in resilience, Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs were held to a 2-2 draw against Eccleston & Heskin. Jack Barton’s goal put the home side ahead, and when Joseph Ramsey doubled the advantage, it looked like Southport had this one in the bag. But Eccleston had other plans, with David McMillan finding the net in the 70th minute to shift the momentum. Then, just eight minutes later, Liam Banks fired in an equalizer, leaving the Southport faithful feeling both thrilled and robbed.

Tarleton Corinthians 2-1 Highgrove
This one took a while to warm up, but Tarleton Corinthians and Highgrove delivered a hard-fought 2-1 battle in the second half. With Daniel Hammond subbed off for Highgrove in the 30th minute, the game saw no breakthroughs in the first half. However, the second half exploded into life when George David Carrington’s strike in the 55th minute broke the deadlock. Ten minutes later, Lewis Bannister doubled the lead with a powerful finish, energizing the Tarleton fans.

But Highgrove wasn’t ready to call it a day. Bradley Diamond pulled one back in the 75th minute, giving Highgrove a glimmer of hope. The back-and-forth substitutions, including Adam Railton for Harvey Ogley, kept Highgrove on their toes, but Tarleton’s defense held firm to seal the 2-1 victory.

Walmer Bridge 2-1 Shevington
Walmer Bridge managed to edge out Shevington 2-1 in a match filled with anticipation. The home side took the lead early on, with Liam Goggin scoring in the 20th minute, putting them 1-0 up at halftime. They extended their lead in the 60th minute with a goal from Dominic Case, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Shevington.

Louie Fitzpatrick then injected life into the game for Shevington with a goal in the 71st minute, cutting the deficit to one and setting up a tense finish. However, Walmer Bridge’s defense proved resilient enough to weather the storm, holding onto their lead until the final whistle.

Division One

Appley Bridge 4-3 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves
Appley Bridge fans were on their feet early, as Jack Lappin opened the scoring in spectacular style with a 25-yard shot that sailed straight into the net in the 12th minute. Rhys Evan made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark, with a strike that might have enjoyed a tiny helping hand from a deflection. Just four minutes later, Danny Atkins added a third, turning in a sharp low cross to seemingly seal the game. But Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves had other ideas, clawing one back just before halftime with a 30-yard rocket that flew past the keeper.

The second half saw Southport & Ainsdale ramp up the pressure. They narrowed the gap to 3-2 in the 50th minute, keeping Appley Bridge on their toes. However, Danny Atkins showed his knack for clutch moments, pushing Appley Bridge’s lead to 4-2 with some quick work in the box by the 55th. The tension wasn’t over yet, as Southport’s center forward unleashed another screamer from over 25 yards in the 70th minute, making it 4-3. The final whistle was a relief for Appley Bridge, who survived a late onslaught to take the win.

Astley FC 3-3 Cherrybrook
Astley FC looked ready to cruise to victory as Luke Robinson put on a first-half masterclass, scoring twice in just three minutes (38’ and 41’) to give Astley a strong 2-0 lead. Just before halftime, Josh Hurst made it 3-0 with a brilliant finish that had the fans cheering loudly as the teams headed off the pitch.

But Cherrybrook came storming back in the second half. Tommy Harban started the comeback with a goal in the 58th minute, setting the tone for a thrilling close to the match. Jack Thorogood turned hero for Cherrybrook, netting in both the 77th and 87th minutes to complete an incredible comeback and tie the game 3-3. Astley fans were left stunned as Cherrybrook’s resilience won the day in this dramatic six-goal thriller.

Cube FC 3-3 Sir Tom Finney
In a six-goal thriller, Cube FC and Sir Tom Finney went toe-to-toe in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The visitors drew first blood in the 35th minute, with James Greenwood scoring to give Sir Tom Finney the lead heading into halftime. But Cube FC came roaring back in the second half, with Malakai Mckenzie equalizing shortly after the break and Ismail Matadar adding another to put Cube FC up 2-1. When Mckenzie struck again to make it 3-1, it looked like Cube FC had this one wrapped up.

Enter Sir Tom Finney’s super-sub Shadrac Arsein! In the 65th minute, Arsein made an immediate impact by cutting the deficit to 3-2, sparking fresh hope for his side. Cube FC held on tightly, but in the 88th minute, Arsein struck again, netting the equalizer and breaking Cube FC hearts. A true showcase of resilience and drama, the match ended in a hard-fought 3-3 draw, with both teams leaving the field exhausted but undoubtedly entertained.

Hoole United 3-2 Leyland RAFA FC
Hoole United burst onto the pitch with an explosive start, as Alfie Parker scored just two minutes in to put them 1-0 up. Seven minutes later, Adam Thomas doubled the lead, leaving Leyland RAFA FC reeling. Leyland, however, pulled one back through Richard Coley just before halftime to keep their hopes alive.

The second half saw both teams trading quick goals in the 60th minute. Ben Rooke restored Hoole’s two-goal lead, but Leyland’s Jordan Griffiths responded immediately, closing the gap to 3-2. Despite a relentless push from Leyland, Hoole United held firm to take the narrow victory in this high-energy encounter.

Ribchester Rovers 0-2 AFC Ainsdale
Ribchester Rovers barely had time to settle before AFC Ainsdale’s Liam Mackie found the net in the opening minute, putting the visitors ahead. The match saw some determined defense from both sides, and despite several close calls, it remained 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Mackie struck again in the 76th minute to make it 2-0, sealing the win for AFC Ainsdale. Ribchester fought hard to break through, but Mackie’s early and late goals proved to be the deciding factors in this tightly contested match.

Division Two

Marsh United 2-0 Castle FC
Marsh United held the fort and then some, shutting down Castle FC in a determined 2-0 victory. The action started in the 23rd minute when Aaron Hoyle found the back of the net with a precision strike that left Castle’s keeper squinting into the distance, wondering where the ball had gone. Hoyle’s goal was the only bit of shine in a gritty first half, and both teams headed to halftime with Castle plotting a way back.

But Marsh United had other plans. Just before the hour mark, Connor Wallis doubled the lead with a shot that was more “wallop” than Wallis, rocketing past the keeper and effectively putting the game to bed. Castle FC tried to storm Marsh’s gates, but their efforts were about as effective as a raincoat in a monsoon. Marsh’s defense held strong, sealing a clean sheet and a well-earned victory.

Westgate Hawks 5-1 Astley FC Reserves
The Westgate Hawks swooped down on Astley FC Reserves in a 5-1 rout that had the crowd entertained and Astley scratching their heads. Devon Hill kicked things off in the 14th minute with a smooth opener, only for Astley to retaliate in the 33rd minute with a quick equalizer from Tom Carter, who celebrated like he’d found a pot of gold. But halftime seemed to pump the Hawks full of energy, and they came back with feathers blazing.

The second half belonged entirely to Westgate. Sub Edward Harrison took just 13 minutes to make his mark, slotting in a goal to reclaim the lead in the 58th. After that, Thomas Bennett got in on the action, adding a third for the Hawks in the 64th. Devon Hill wasn’t about to let Bennett steal the spotlight, so he struck again in the 78th to make it 4-1. Finally, Daniel Wilson put the cherry on top with a goal in the 87th minute, closing out the match with a resounding 5-1 scoreline. Astley may have come in with high hopes, but the Hawks left them feeling like they’d been on the wrong end of a particularly sharp beak.

Division Three

Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves 2-0 Chipping FC A
Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves came out firing in a swift first half, claiming a 2-0 victory over Chipping FC A. Jamie McGowan was the hero of the hour, notching two goals within ten minutes – the first in the 15th and the second in the 25th minute – putting Middleton comfortably in control by halftime. McGowan’s clinical finishing had the crowd on their feet, setting the stage for a confident showing.

The second half was a story of tactical adjustments, with Middleton making a flurry of substitutions. Benjamin Whitla, Michael Otoo, Ethan Brahney, and Elliott Mooring made way for fresh legs as Aidan Croskery, Josh Stachurski, Michael Nye, and Callum Leamy took the field. Middleton’s reshuffled squad maintained their defensive shape, preventing any comeback attempt from Chipping and cruising to a satisfying win.

Shevington Reserves 4-0 Bay Rangers FC A
Shevington Reserves brought their A-game, dominating Bay Rangers FC A in a comfortable 4-0 triumph. Jack White opened the scoring to give Shevington the lead, and Sam Newton doubled it before halftime, setting Shevington up with a healthy advantage as they went into the break.

The second half saw no let-up from Shevington. Ben Tunstall fired home for 3-0, and Jordan Dainty rounded off the scoring with a fourth, sealing Bay Rangers’ fate. It was a masterclass in teamwork, with Shevington maintaining their stronghold over the game from start to finish, much to the delight of the home fans.

Wyre Villa Reserves 4-0 Walmer Bridge Reserves
Wyre Villa Reserves put on a dazzling display, cruising to a 4-0 win over Walmer Bridge Reserves, and the star of the show was none other than Zach Crosbie. He had his shooting boots firmly laced up, bagging a first-half brace to give Wyre Villa an early 2-0 lead before the break. Crosbie’s clinical finishing left the opposition scrambling, and fans wondering if they were witnessing a one-man highlight reel.

The second half continued in the same vein, as Crosbie completed his hat-trick, much to the delight of the home crowd. And as if that wasn’t enough, Wyre Villa added a cherry on top with a fourth goal from substitute Toby Smith, who made his mark on the game and sealed the emphatic victory.

Liverpool County FA Intermediate Cup

Bickerstaffe Reserves 2-11 The Martyrs
It was a rough day at the office for Bickerstaffe Reserves as they faced a goal-hungry Martyrs team, ultimately falling 2-11 in a match that saw goals flying in from every angle. Bickerstaffe did have a couple of shining moments, with Dale Flynn and Arron Hodge each finding the back of the net, but it wasn’t enough to slow down the Martyrs’ onslaught. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Bickerstaffe’s fans kept their spirits up, cheering on their side through every twist and turn.

The Martyrs seemed determined to make a statement, and they certainly did with this comprehensive performance. For Bickerstaffe Reserves, it’s one to put behind them and learn from as they look forward to their next fixture.

Mexoc 3-1 Fleetwood Hesketh
Fleetwood Hesketh fought hard but ultimately came up short against Mexoc in a 3-1 contest. Michael Worth provided Fleetwood’s lone spark of joy with a well-taken goal that kept hopes alive, but Mexoc proved just too strong on the day, controlling the play and finding their way to the scoresheet three times. The battle was intense, with Fleetwood’s Frankie Pearson picking up a yellow card as tempers flared.

Despite the setback, Fleetwood Hesketh displayed resilience and a fighting spirit. It wasn’t their day, but their loyal supporters will surely be looking forward to a chance at redemption in the next match.

Liverpool County FA Junior Cup

Bickerstaffe 2-1 Mossley Hill Athletic U21
Bickerstaffe edged out Mossley Hill Athletic U21 in a 2-1 thriller to move forward in the LCFA Junior Cup. Josh Grive opened the scoring in style, confidently slotting in a penalty to give the home side an early lead. With momentum on their side, Bickerstaffe kept pushing, and just before halftime, Alex Grisdale found the net to make it 2-0, sending Bickerstaffe into the break with a solid cushion.

The second half saw Mossley Hill mount a comeback attempt, scoring to cut the lead to 2-1, but Bickerstaffe’s defense held firm. The final whistle confirmed their hard-earned victory and a step closer in the Cup, leaving fans dreaming of a deep run in the competition.

Rainhill Town Reserves 5-1 Burscough Dynamo
It was a challenging outing for Burscough Dynamo as they succumbed to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Rainhill Town Reserves. Curtis Carberry provided a silver lining with a well-taken goal, keeping Dynamo’s supporters cheering even as Rainhill showed their attacking prowess.

Rainhill came out firing on all cylinders, leaving Dynamo with little chance to counter. Despite the tough result, Burscough Dynamo showed determination, and Carberry’s strike provided a glimmer of positivity in an otherwise tough game.