Category: Weekly Round Up

Josh Staniforth Earns Hard-Fought Three Points For Marsh United

The top two in the Mid Lancashire Football League Premier Division continue to be separated by just two points, neither Marsh nor Hoole United want to blink first and both earned another win this weekend.

Premiership

Highgrove 3-4 Marsh United
Having seen in-form Hoole United close to within two points of the league leaders last weekend, Marsh needed a result against Highgrove and only got over the line with Josh Staniforth’s goal nine minute from full time. It was 3-1 to Highgrove at the interval with goals from the hosts’ Liam Birch, Harvey Ogley and Jack Dewhirst dwarfing Aaron Hoyle’s sole contribution for Marsh. Three unanswered goals in the second 45 turned things around with Oliver Rickerby and Staniforth’s first goal of the day squaring the ledger. Staniforth scored in the 81st minute to earn Marsh a crucial victory.

Hoole United 3-1 Broughton Amateurs
Having closed the gap last weekend, the onus was on Hoole to secure another three-point haul at home and they delivered through a brace from Ben Rooke and a single goal from Sam Craven. Jonathan Gough was on the scoresheet for the visitors, who remain ninth on the ladder.

Tarleton Corinthians 0-1 Walmer Bridge
A loss last week to Hoole United was disappointing for Walmer Bridge having been level in that game at the break, for 82 minutes at Carr Lane it looked like Walmer would once again drop points but with eight to play, Kieran Carpenter scored the decisive goal to give Walmer Bridge the away win.

Astley FC 0-4 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
Southport & Ainsdale claimed fifth place level on seven points with Highgrove and Burscough Dynamo after a clean sheet and four goals at West Way in Chorley. The away team boasted four different goalscorers in Andrew Cain, Connor Tierney, Charles Lunt and Oliver Morton.

Division One

Sir Tom Finney 0-5 Wyre Villa
Three teams sit level on 18 points at the top of the First Division with Wyre Villa leading the pack. They claimed a 5-0 win at the University of Lancashire Sports Arena against Sir Tom Finney, who had overcome IFG Macclesfield last weekend in the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup.

New Longton Rovers Reserves 3-0 Middleton & Overton Sports
It seems every week that New Longton Rovers’ second side come up against tough opposition but find a way to win and this weekend was no different as goals from Ryan Cromie and a brace by Joshua Taylor secured another win to keep New Longton’s reserves level with Wyre Villa at the league summit.

Westgate Wanderers Hawks 4-1 AFC Ainsdale
Connor Mason, Elliott Mooring, Jared Rumney and Joseph Penrice were on the scoresheet for Westgate Wanderers Hawks, who are the third team up at the top on 18 points. Their goal difference is keeping them below their rivals but there’s plenty of football to play.

Southport Trinity 5-4 New Longton Rovers
A third league win of the season for the hosts condemned visitors New Longton Rovers to their fourth defeat of the campaign. A hat-trick for Eric Thompson was the highlight but both teammate Joseph Flint and New Longton’s Harry Hardacre scored a brace. The other two goals came from Joseph Stead and Jason Young in New Longton colours. An exciting game with nine goals shared between the pair, one of the games of the weekend in the Mid Lancashire Football League.

Division Two

Preston City 2-1 Ribchester Rovers
Top of the pile in the Second Division are Preston City with a five-point cushion back to Freckleton FC Reserves. Joe Fielder’s first half goal and a second half strike by J’quan Richards was enough to earn City their sixth victory from seven league games played. Preston City are one of two unbeaten sides across the three leagues, the other being Marsh United.

Wyre Villa Reserves 3-4 Freckleton FC Reserves
In a battle of the two second string sides at Hallgate Park, it was Freckleton’s back-up brigade that emerged with three points and second place behind Preston City. Wyre Villa’s goalscorers were Denis Capilnean with two and one from Hudson Worrall. Freckleton’s success came courtesy of Caleb Adams, Calum Coppock, Lewis Simmons and Tommy Trudgeon.

Lancaster Red Rose 3-4 Hindley Green
Red Rose retain third place despite defeat at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre to Hindley Green. The Greens ended the day in fifth, just two points behind their opposition. Morgan Hart-Gill, Daniel Roberts and a brace for Callum Howard earned Hindley their third league triumph of the 2026-27 campaign. If league photographer Donna Artis is on the plot, you can always rely on goals to be scored. Her photo gallery can be found here.

Broughton Amateurs Reserves 4-2 Eccleston & Heskin Reserves
The home side are sixth in the Second Division after their victory against Eccleston & Heskin’s reserve side. Luke Littlechild and Pa Musa Sarr were scorers from the hosts’ starting XI, while both Ashley Charles and Daniel Kabanga came off the bench to find the back of the net.

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 1-2 IFG Macclesfield
Two goals from Ryder Stipanovich gave Macclesfield their second league victory of the season, following up an earlier win against Hindley Green. Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves suffered their fourth defeat of the season but have the chance to get back on track this coming Saturday at Eccleston & Heskin Reserves.

Top Four Teams in Division One Separated by One Point

A key September Saturday saw Preston City drop points for the first time this season as they were held to a draw by Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves, while Marsh United and Hoole United picked up three points in their bid to top the pile.

Premiership

Marsh United 7-0 Burscough Dynamo
A week ago, Marsh United sat the round out and saw Hoole United close within two points. They set their stall out early with Aaron Hoyle finding the back of the net within ten minutes. Kian Wilson-Stewart and Theo Callender added two more to make the score 3-0 at the break. In the second 45, Marsh added to the scoreline thanks to two from Josh Staniforth, James Mcvittie with his weekly goal and a second effort by Hoyle. The Marsh United coaching staff will be as pleased with the seven goals as the clean sheet maintained at the other end.

Hoole United 3-1 Walmer Bridge
After drawing the opening two fixtures, Walmer Bridge have been picking up victories for several weeks, only to come unstuck at Much Hoole Playing Field. The score was 1-1 as the two teams went back into the sheds for half-time and then Hoole United earned all three points with two unanswered goals in the second half. Dominic Case was the goalscorer for Walmer Bridge, while Hoole United had Matthew Thompson and Ben Rooke (2) to thank for their strikes. Hoole remain two points shy of the league leaders Marsh United.

Broughton Amateurs 4-3 Highgrove
Seven goals were shared between the two teams at Myerscough Sports Centre and it was Broughton who earned the win, moving them off the foot of the table. Jonathan Gough added one to a hat-trick by Liam Bell for Broughton. Harvey and Reggie Ogley found the back of the net for Highgrove. The victory was Broughton Amateurs’ first of the season at the fifth time of asking and they have the opportunity to build momentum in two weeks against Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs.

Division One

Middleton & Overton Sports 2-4 Wyre Villa
Wyre Villa are top of the First Division, level on 15 points with two other teams and one ahead of fourth place after victory on the road at Middleton Park. Rory Walmsley, two from Alexander Rhodes and a goal by substitute Joe McGuirk gave Wyre their fifth league win of the season. Late goals from Middleton & Overton’s Oliwier Rusakiewicz and Nick Grundy reduced the arrears for the hosts.

New Longton Rovers 4-5 Westgate Wanderers Hawks
Nine goals scored across eight scorers saw Westgate Wanderers ascend up the ladder to third place also on 15 points, the same as both Wyre Villa and New Longton Rovers Reserves – who were not in action on Saturday. Luke Davis, Connor Mason, Ashton Pinington, Jared Rumney and Leeford Daka brought the three points to the visitors camp. Rob Porter, Joseph Stead (2) and Harry Hardacre were amongst the goals for New Longton Rovers.

Southport Trinity 2-2 AFC Ainsdale
Goalless at the break, things really picked up in the second half in Southport. Eric Thompson and substitute Anthony Paternoster gave Trinity the advantage and despite a red card for Ainsdale’s Charlie Gray, the visitors rallied in added time as two goals beyond the 90 earned AFC a point on the road. Joseph Tinsley scored twice for Ainsdale to ensure the game ended all square.

Division Two

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 1-1 Preston City
For the first time this season, Preston City failed to pick up three points from a fixture as they were held to a score draw at Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves. Louie Mullan got the goal for the home side, who are up to sixth on the ladder.

Ribchester Rovers 3-0 Wyre Villa Reserves
Ribchester picked up their third victory in six games played, they emerged victorious against Wyre Villa Reserves with three goals and a clean sheet at Ribchester Playing Fields. Ben Bristo scored early doors for the hosts before Connor Roberts and Wesley Spencer secured the result by scoring in the second half. Next weekend Ribchester have further chance to close the gap to the leaders, they face Preston City at Ashton Community Science College.

Lancashire FA Amateur Cup

Nine fixtures featured Mid Lancashire Football League sides in the latest round of the Lancashire FA Amateur Cup. Astley FC advanced with a 6-2 home victory over Hesketh Casuals, Eccleston & Heskin won 5-2 against Oldham Hulmeians and Tarleton Corinthians defeated Havelock Inn 5-1. Sir Tom Finney triumphed on the road at IFG Macclesfield Blues 3-0. Both Hindley Green and Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs were defeated on penalties.

Five-Star Zak Deaves For Walmer Bridge

With Marsh United not in action on Saturday 19 September, Walmer Bridge and Hoole United closed the gap at the top of the Premier Division.

Premiership

Eccleston & Heskin 1-3 Hoole United
With leaders Marsh United watching the results come in, Hoole took the opportunity to reduce the arrears to two points at the league summit. Ben Rooke, Harvey Torrance and Lewis Cawood found the back of the net for United, Ben Sharrock with the sole reply for Eccleston & Heskin. Mid Lancashire Football League’s Donna Artis was on hand to capture the images at Eccleston Village Recreation Ground and they can be found here.

Walmer Bridge 9-3 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
It’s now three wins on the bounce for Walmer Bridge after opening the season with two draws, the latest three points coming at home against Southport & Ainsdale. The score was 2-1 at the break with Zak Deaves’ opener cancelled out by the first of three goals for Jack Osborne for the visitors, Dominic Case established Walmer’s lead heading into the interval. George Caney, Dylan Chauhan and four more by Deaves secured an impressive victory at the Richard Holmes Memorial Ground. No surprise that Zak Deaves leads the league goalscorers with eleven in five appearances.

Astley 3-3 Burscough Dynamo
The wait for Astley’s first league win of the season continues, they were held at West Way to a 3-3 draw by the visiting Dynamo. Rahim Aslam, Arthur Dos Santos Rodrigues Da Anunciacao and Cieran Dowd bagged for the home team, away scorers were Charlie Mason, Bradley Fanning and substitute Ryan Dobney.

Division One

New Longton Rovers Reserves 5-2 New Longton Rovers
In a battle of the two New Longton sides, it was the second team that took the chocolates at Penwortham Priory Academy. Dylan Agnew gave the first side the lead with 16 played before Nathan Gerrard squared the ledger heading into the break. The second half saw Richard Allen put the reserves ahead before Joseph Stead equalised. From there, unanswered goals from Leon Merella and Carl Brooks ensured victory. It was a feisty inter-club affair with two players sent for an early shower.

Wyre Villa 0-2 AFC Ainsdale
Second in the table is AFC Ainsdale having earned victory at Wyre Villa’s Hallgate Park. First half goals from Jack Leatherbarrow and Liam Mackie was enough to earn a fourth win from six for Ainsdale. Wyre Villa remain third on 12 points, they are just three points off top spot themselves after a positive start to the season.

Westgate Wanderers Hawks 2-1 Middleton & Overton Sports
Thomas Howis gave the away side the lead on the half hour, an advantage that would last through to the teams going into the sheds at half-time. Second half goals from Connor Mason and Chris Kavanagh turned the tide in favour of the hosts.

Wigan Rovers 3-7 Tarleton Corinthians ‘A’
An exciting game at St James Park saw Tarleton’s second side pick up the win on their travels, joining Wigan Rovers on seven points in the First Division. Twice Wigan had the lead, first through Liam McDonald and then Ghalib Ogungbola but Tarleton’s Ben Yeates and Ellis Teale equalised. Lewis Blunt scored a third for Wigan, ensuring they had control at the break but another game where one side ran away with it in the second half occurred. David Yeates, Jake Pilkington, Lewis Scanlan, Ben Bucanan and another from Teale earned success.

Sir Tom Finney 2-3 Southport Trinity
With both sides on the hunt for their second win of the season, it was Southport Trinity who had Eric Thompson to thank for his hat-trick and that was enough to get Trinity over the line. Joseph Benson had responded for Sir Tom Finney but the visitors victory would vault them over their hosts on the ladder.

Division Two

Preston City 5-0 Lancaster Red Rose
It’s now 30 goals scored and just one conceded by Preston City in their opening five fixtures. The victory puts City three points ahead of Lancaster Red Rose. Preston’s goals came from J’Quan Richards, Hamza Haruna, Nahum Davis (2) and Nurudeen Kabutey.

Freckleton FC Reserves 6-0 Wyre Villa Reserves
Joining Lancaster Red Rose on 12 points are Freckleton FC Reserves, who kept a clean sheet amid a comprehensive victory against fellow reserve side Wyre Villa. The hosts’ goals were shared between Caleb Adams, Calum Coppick, Jak Roper (2), Tommy Trudgeon and Daniel Valentine.

IFG Macclesfield Blues 3-1 Hindley Green
A victory at the second time of asking for Macclesfield Blues at the University of Lancashire Sports Arena, Enrique Guerra and Jesse Reyes with the goals against a Hindley side who boast two wins and a draw from their opening five games.

Ribchester Rovers 3-0 Eccleston & Heskin Reserves
A 3-0 victory for Ribchester at home, taking them up to seven points on the ladder in fifth level on points with Hindley Green.

Broughton Amateurs Reserves 1-2 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs second side picked up their second win away from home this season with a close 2-1 success at Myerscough College. Pa Musa Sarr scored the goal for Broughton Amateurs, while Southport & Ainsdale had Cory Joseph and Liam Laing for the strikes that earned all three points.

Eccleston & Heskin up to second after impressive home win against Tarleton Corinthians

There were goals, cards, tackles, whistles and the occasional clean sheet across Lancashire on Saturday 12 September.

Premiership

Eccleston & Heskin 5-2 Tarleton Corinthians
Under the watchful eye of Mid Lancashire Football League Referee of the Year 25-26 Tom Gudgeon, Eccleston & Heskin moved up into second on the ladder with a 5-2 success at Eccleston Village Recreation Ground. A brace apiece for Michael Baxendale and Alex Brooks along with one for Luke Drummond brought the hosts all three points.

Hoole United 2-2 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
Hoole dipped down the table into third spot following a score draw at home against Southport & Ainsdale, who added to the victory over Broughton Amateurs back on 22 August with another point on the board. Ethan Jackson and Nathan Staines scored the goals for the hosts, Conor Bligh and George Carrington for the visitors found the back of the net.

Burscough Dynamo 2-1 Broughton Amateurs
A second win of the season for Burscough, making it two home victories in succession and Dynamo sit sixth on the Premier Division table. Broughton are still looking for their first league victory of the season. James Lowcock and Bradley Fanning got the goals for Burscough, Broughton’s scorer was Ayodeji Osijonwo.

Division One

Wyre Villa 2-0 New Longton Rovers Reserves
A first loss of the season for the second New Longton Rovers side came at Hallgate Park with goals from Charlie Cox and Travis Stringfellow condemning the visitors to defeat. New Longton’s Reserves retain first place thanks to results elsewhere and will be looking to regain form in their next match at Fleetwood Hesketh. For Wyre Villa, fourth place is the result of four wins from five. Their only loss so far? New Longton Rovers’ first team.

AFC Ainsdale 4-4 Wigan Rovers
If you want to be guaranteed goals on a Saturday, head to an AFC Ainsdale game. 19 goals have been scored in their last three fixtures. The hosts took a four-goal lead heading into the break before conceding the same amount in the second half. If the Wigan Rovers management team could share what they said at the interval to motivate their players, coaches across the county would be grateful.

New Longton Rovers 3-3 Middleton & Overton Sports
Another case of a team looking comfortable as the players went back into the sheds for the break, New Longton Rovers lead 3-1 thanks to goals from Dominic Fradiani, Thomas Holme and Kai Day. Moments before the half-time whistle, Kieran Potts had got Middleton & Overton at least on the board. Two goals from the away side in the second from Cameron Isherwood and Thomas Howis squared the ledger.

Southport Trinity 4-3 Tarleton Corinthians ‘A’
The theme of goals, goals and more goals continued in Southport as the home team racked up a high-scoring but narrow victory, their goals coming from George Holker, Benjamin McCall and a brace by Eric Thompson. Tarleton’s second side had Lewis Scanlan on the scoresheet early doors before two from Jake Pilkington in reply.

Division Two

Lancaster Red Rose 5-2 Eccleston & Heskin Reserves
With Preston City not in action, Lancaster Red Rose grabbed the opportunity to move level on points with both hands. A 5-2 win over the second side for Eccleston & Heskin moved them up to 12 points level with the City side. Alfie Askew, Jamie Colton, Leon Leeming and a brace for Luke Goulding-McHugh struck goals for Red Rose, Jordan Aird and Andrew Smith responded for Eccleston. Up North Productions were in attendance to film the action.

Hindley Green 9-1 Wyre Villa Reserves
Hindley are up to fourth after their second win of the season, adding to one draw and one loss thus far. An impressive performance was capped off by an equally-impressive scoreline. Joe Brookfield (2), Zack Disley (2), Callum Howard (3), Paul Langin and Daniel Roberts all notched goals. Tyler Clark scored Wyre Villa Reserves’ consolation.

Broughton Amateurs Reserves 6-0 Freckleton FC Reserves
The last result of the day went to Broughton Amateurs second string with a commanding performance at Myerscough College and a clean sheet to boot. The six home goals were scored by Umar Ajisafe, Harvey Henshaw, Kieran Jones, Pa Musa Sarr and Abdullah Shaban. Freckleton’s Reserves have a pleasing symmetry of three wins and three losses from their opening six league games. Donna Artis was on hand to capture all the action in her gallery here.

First Half Goals Prove Pivotal For Marsh United

Defending Mid Lancashire Football League Premier Division Champions Marsh United earn their fourth win on the bounce in a close game, while Walmer Bridge have found their form after opening the campaign with two draws.

Premiership

Shevington 1-2 Marsh United
Marsh had to work hard to pick up three points on the road at Vicarage Lane after Aaron Hoyle and James Mcvittie gave the visitors a two-goal advantage heading into the interval. Joseph Hull pulled one back for Shevington with just over 20 minutes to play but Marsh held on to pick up a fourth win from four games played in the Premier Division. All three goalscorers feature in the top eight in the Premier Division with Joseph Hull and Aaron Hoyle finding the back of the net three times, James Mcvittie has contributed four to the Marsh cause.

Astley FC 1-3 Hoole United
Hoole are second on the ladder with three wins from four games played, they ran out 3-1 winners at West Way Sports Hub in Chorley. United had Alfie Parker, Ben Rooke and Matthew Thompson to thanks for the win on the road.

Walmer Bridge 5-0 Broughton Amateurs
Walmer remain one of three unbeaten sides in the Premier Division with an impressive home victory against Broughton Amateurs. After starting the season with two draws, Walmer Bridge have gained momentum with two wins from their last two played, both at the Richard Holmes Memorial Ground. Zak Deaves continued his form with a hat-trick, the other goals coming from Oliver Knight and a late one from George Caney.

Highgrove 3-2 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
Victories are like buses for Highgrove, the side at the Royal Albert Playing Field picking up a second win of the season to follow up last week’s three-point haul against Broughton Amateurs. A flurry of goals just after the half hour mark saw Highgrove take the lead through Joe Martin, before Conor Bligh squared the ledger a minute later for the away team. Highgrove restored their lead moments later through Luke Bradley. In the second half, Conor Bligh once again equalised for Southport & Ainsdale but Highgrove weren’t to be denied, Jack Dewhirst with the winning goal on 69 minutes.

Division One

Middleton & Overton Sports 2-3 New Longton Rovers Reserves
The second side for New Longton Rovers are threatening to show up the first team as they secured another victory in the First Division, this time at Middleton Park. Leon Merella opened the scoring for the visitors with just ten minutes on the clock and Oscar Brown added a second for New Longton on the half hour, Nick Grundy bagged the first of his two goals to reduce the arrears on 34 minutes. Both teams added another goal in the second 45 to make it 3-2, first Jamie Morris for New Longton Rovers and then Grundy scored his second of the day.

AFC Ainsdale 2-3 Westgate Wanderers Hawks
A first loss of the season was suffered by AFC Ainsdale at JMO Sports Park in Skelmersdale. A brace from Jack Leatherbarrow was overshadowed by a hat-trick from Westgate’s Connor Mason. AFC Ainsdale have made a bright start and you’d back them to respond next weekend at home to Wigan Rovers. Ainsdale remain second on the ladder with 12 points, Westgate Wanderers Hawks are seventh with two victories so far.

Southport Trinity 1-3 Wyre Villa
With New Longton Rovers’ first team not in action, Wyre Villa took the opportunity to move into third spot thanks to an away success in Southport. Eric Thompson scored the goal for Southport Trinity but another player notched a hat-trick, Toby Smith the man in the forward line for Wyre Villa.

Wigan Rovers 5-1 Sir Tom Finney
Much like Walmer Bridge in the Premier Division, it took three tries for Wigan Rovers to earn victory in this season’s league competition but have now earned two in a row. Rovers scored five last week away at Southport Trinity to earn three points and did the same again at home to Sir Tom Finney. Jamie Forshaw gave Sir Tom Finney the lead early in the first half before goals from Owen Jackson and Ghalib Ogungbola turned things around for the hosts ahead of the two teams returning to the sheds for the break. Substitute Henry Gold-Edgeware added his name to those scoring a hat-trick on Saturday afternoon to make it 5-1 to the home side. Ten goals in two games, Wigan have scored 14 in their four games played.

Hoole United Reserves 3-4 Fleetwood Hesketh
A first win of the season for Fleetwood Hesketh at the fifth time of asking was not straightforward by any stretch of the imagination. Hoole United Reserves goalscorers were Paul Armstrong, Jake Whitlock and Jack Smith. Finding the back of the net for Fleetwood were Paul Reeves, David Norbury and Kieran Challis.

Division Two

Hindley Green 1-6 Preston City
A fourth win from four for Preston City saw the away side retain their position at the Second Division summit. Nahum Davis and Joe Fielder scored for Preston in the first half, Hindley Green’s Callum Howard was on the scoresheet to make it 2-1 at the break in favour of City. In the second half, Davis added another two goals to earn his hat-trick and J’quan Richards scored a brace. Nahum Davis now has nine goals in four games, Richards has eight from three.

Ribchester Rovers 3-4 Broughton Amateurs Reserves
Broughton Amateurs Reserves get three points on the board for the first time this season with a battling away performance at Ribchester Playing Fields. Finley Jillions, Pa Musa Sarr and a brace from Umar Ajisafe scored the goals for the visitors against Ribchester Rovers.

Wyre Villa Reserves 6-2 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves
Our very own Donna Artis was on hand to see Wyre Villa Reserves run out winners at Hallgate Park against the travelling seconds from Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs. Donna’s gallery can be found here. Ben Hall, Reuben Williams and Charlie Sandford scored for Wyre Villa Reserves with Hudson Worrall stealing the headlines with yet another hat-trick on Saturday. Harry Holdsworth and Owen Kelly responded for the visitors. The full video can be found below…

Bank Holiday Delight For Walmer Bridge

Eleven games took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend with goals galore and just two clean sheets, earned by New Longton Rovers and Preston City.

Premiership

Walmer Bridge 5-1 Tarleton Corinthians
With the top three of Marsh United, Eccleston & Heskin and Hoole United not in action, the clubs just below on the ladder had the chance to close the gap at the Premier Division summit. Walmer Bridge went behind to an early penalty converted by Ellis Teale before Zak Deaves equalised on the half hour. It was 2-1 to Walmer Bridge by the break, Ben Ascroft putting the hosts ahead. In the second 45, Walmer ensured all three points another goal from Deaves, followed by Leon Hongkins and Louie Wignall getting on the scoresheet. Walmer Bridge remain unbeaten, adding this victory to their two draws to begin the new season.

Highgrove 5-2 Broughton Amateurs
A victory at the fourth time of asking in 2026-27 for Highgrove, who scored two goals in the first half at the Royal Albert Playing Field. Cristian Lacob and Reggie Ogley with the successful strikes. In the second half, substitutes Luke Bradley (2) and Jesse Corless demonstrated that the strength off the pine for the home side as they found the back of the net. Liam Bell was responsible for both Broughton Amateurs’ goals.

Shevington 3-2 Astley FC
A late winning goal scored by Joe Rolls earned Shevington all three points at Vicarage Lane in a game that could easily have seen the spoils shared. Jordan Conway scored for the hosts, while Arthur Dos Santos Rodrigues Da Anunciacao and Nathan Hough were goal scorers for the visitors. Much like both Highgrove and Walmer Bridge, it’s taken four games but Shevington record their first win of the fledgling season.

Division One

AFC Ainsdale 5-1 Hoole United Reserves
Ainsdale are the new Division One leaders with 12 points from their opening four games played after leapfrogging over New Longton Rovers Reserves, they put Hoole United’s reserves to the sword with five goals scored by five different players. Harry Tinsley and Martin Matthews in the first half, then Joseph Tinsley, Elliot Horner and Nathan Drummond in the second secured a fourth win on the bounce for AFC. Joshua Forshaw responded for Hoole United Reserves.

Wyre Villa 0-2 New Longton Rovers
Third place on the ladder is occupied by New Longton Rovers. They have nine points from their first four league games after a 2-0 success at Hallgate Park. Both goals were scored by Kai Day for the visitors and they earned one of just two clean sheets in all Mid Lancashire Football League fixtures on Saturday.

Middleton & Overton Sports 2-4 Tarleton Corinthians ‘A’
A first loss of the season for the home side was inflicted by the Tarleton ‘A’ side. It was 2-1 at the interval with goals scored by Thomas Egan for Middleton. Tarleton turned the game around to win 4-2 as they had Lewis Scanlon (2), David Yeates and Ben Yeates to thank for the victory.

Sir Tom Finney 5-3 Westgate Wanderers Hawks
The University of Lancashire Sports Arena played host to a pulsating affair as Sir Tom Finney came out on top following an eight-goal thriller. It’s Sir Tom Finney’s first win of the season and in style as they notched three goals by the half-time break through Joseph Glover, Adrian Barbu and Joshua Omotoyinbo. Both Barbu and Omotoyinbo grabbed a second goal after play resumed, while Connor Mason contributed two to the Hawks’ cause.

Southport Trinity 2-5 Wigan Rovers
The final game of Division One was another spectacular contest as away side Wigan Rovers took the win away at Southport Trinity. Jamie Molyneux and Eric Thompson were the scorers for Southport, while Wigan benefitted from goals by Ghalib Ogungbola, Daniel Bibby (2), Ben Harford and substitute Layton Lee. After two losses to begin the campaign, Wigan earned a first of the season on the road.

Division Two

Preston City 7-0 Wyre Villa Reserves
The early Second Division leaders are Preston City, who have now amassed a record of three wins from three with a +19 goal difference. It was 2-0 to the home team as early as the seventh minute with J’Quan Richards and Nathan Davis getting proceedings underway. Richards completed his hat-trick prior to the break, while Davis, Sam Daniels and Riley Green added to the impressive scoreline.

Broughton Amateurs Reserves 2-4 Lancaster Red Rose
Preston City aren’t the only team on nine points from three games, Lancaster Red Rose are level on points albeit with a more modest goal difference. Red Rose also had a hat-trick scorer in their midst, Luke Goulding-McHugh scoring two in the first half and one in the second. Connor Wallis scored for the away team to add to Goulding-McHugh’s tally. Two goals from Umar Ajisafe made the scoreline respectable.

Ribchester Rovers 5-5 Hindley Green FC
Ten goals, a point each and seven goalscorers headlined the final fixture in Division Two. Hindley Green followed up their first win with a draw to remain unbeaten, while Ribchester have won, lost and drawn a match in their opening three. Morgan Parker and Matt Dalby scored for Ribchester, Stirling Winder added a hat-trick for the hosts. Hindley Green had Joe Brookfield, Morgan Hart-Gill, Callum Howard (2) and Ellis Moore to thank for their goals.

Middleton & Overton Earn Third Win On The Bounce

Just five games took place in midweek on Tuesday 25th August with Marsh United continuing to impress but they have Eccleston & Heskin nipping at their heels in the Premiership.

Premiership

Marsh United 5-0 Highgrove
James Mcvittie was back amongst the goalscorers for Marsh as the defending Premiership winners and Guildhall Cup holders hit Highgrove for five in Lancaster. Ricky Ball opened the scoring in the first half and the score was just 1-0 at the interval. In the second half, substitute Mcvittie made it two before Jamie Taylor, Oliver Rickerby and Jakub Kowalik added to the scoreline. Marsh continue to set the pace at the league summit.

Eccleston & Heskin 3-1 Shevington
Marsh are out in front on nine points but Eccleston & Heskin are unbeaten just behind on seven points from two wins and a draw in their opening three fixtures. Having said that, Eccleston didn’t have it all their own way with Freddie Winstanley earning a lead for the away side that lasted until the hour mark. Two goals from Alex Brooks either side of one for Michael Baxendale meant that the turnaround was complete.

Burscough Dynamo 1-2 Tarleton Corinthians
Tarleton are up to third on the ladder thanks to goals from Ellis Teale and substitute Gideon Okundia. The visitors to Abbey Lane took all three points despite Burscough’s Luke Wilson goal. On Saturday, Tarleton visit Walmer Bridge, while Burscough Dynamo next face Shevington at home on Wednesday 2nd September.

Division One

Middleton & Overton Sports FC 2-0 Westgate Wanderers Hawks
The damage was done in the first half at Middleton Park as a brace from Nick Grundy secured a two-goal lead having into the sheds for half time. Westgate couldn’t get back in the game during the second 45 and Middleton recorded their third win on the bounce, taking them level with New Longton Rovers Reserves and AFC Ainsdale on nine points.

Hoole United Reserves 4-2 Southport Trinity
Six goals and six goalscorers in Much Hoole as the hosts took the chocolates in the last game to reported on from Tuesday. Mason Gunster, Ben Rooke, Nathan Staines and Sam Craven found the back of the net for the home side, Eric Thompson and Reuben Younis responded for the visitors. Hoole United Reserves earned their first three points of the season, Southport Trinity are still searching for their first win.

Josh Staniforth Hits The Headlines With Five Goals For Marsh United

A superb result for Marsh United maintains their 100% record in the Premier Division as important wins for New Longton Rovers Reserves and AFC Ainsdale meant both clubs sit on nine points from their opening three games in the First Division. 76 goals across 13 games highlights attacking football being central to every team’s philosophy with defences struggling as just two clean sheets were recorded in the Mid Lancashire Football League.

Premiership

Astley FC 1-10 Marsh United
It cannot be denied that Marsh United have strengthened in the offseason. Back in March, this fixture resulted in a 1-0 triumph for the visitors. The single goal came from Josh Staniforth, who contributed five for Marsh this past weekend. Both Aaron Hoyle and James Mcvittie added a brace, with a single from Jamie Taylor rounding out the scoring for United. Astley’s goalscorer was Arthur Dos Santos Rodrigues Da Anunciacao in the second half. Marsh have six points from their opening two games as their title defence looks strong already.

Hoole United 3-1 Highgrove
Hoole are up to second on the ladder, they too have six points to their name after the opening two Saturday’s. Alfe Parker, Ben Rooke and Sam Craven found the back of the net for United, substitute Adrian Lacob scored for Highgrove. It won’t get any easier for Highgrove, they travel to Marsh Playing Fields in midweek.

Walmer Bridge 1-1 Eccleston & Heskin
Unbeaten with a draw and win so far in 2026-27 are Eccleston & Heskin. They travelled to Walmer Bridge and took a point from last season’s Guildhall Cup finalists. Walmer are yet to hit their stride with two draws to open the season, Samuel Ace for Bridge and Eccleston’s Hayden Mills scored the two goals. Walmer Bridge have two home games to come in succession, starting with Tarleton Corinthians next weekend followed by Broughton Amateurs.

Broughton Amateurs 2-4 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
Speaking of Broughton, they suffered a home defeat to Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs. The away side lost narrowly to Eccleston & Heskin on the opening day but managed to take all three points at the second time of asking. Charlie Lunt scored two, Oliver Morton and Conor Bligh added one each for the visitors. Broughton had Oliver Jones to thank for his brace. Goalscoring is clearly not the problem for Southport & Ainsdale, that’s now seven in their first two fixtures but they have conceded six.

Shevington 0-4 Tarleton Corinthians
Four goals and four different goalscorers for Tarleton as they visited Vicarage Lane. Jacob Munday got the scoring underway as early as the 20th minute, followed by Cale Heaton and Joshua Jackson prior to half time. Lewis Bannister added the fourth on the hour mark.

Division One

Wigan Rovers 3-4 New Longton Rovers Reserves
New Longton’s second team lead the pack in the First Division with nine points from their opening three matches. Their latest win came at St James Park with Joshua Taylor and Leon Merella establishing a two-goal cushion for the away side in the opening 20 minutes. Owen Jackson got Wigan Rovers underway on 50 minutes before Jamie Morris re-established New Longton’s two-goal lead shortly after. Daniel Bibby again gave Wigan purpose before Joshua Taylor struck with his second. Lewis Blunt got a late one to bring the score to 4-3 in favour of the away side.

New Longton Rovers 1-2 AFC Ainsdale
In three games so far, Ainsdale have won by scorelines of 2-1, 3-2 and now 2-1 again. They haven’t struck big against anybody but they have found a way to narrowly emerge with all three points, highlighting a defensive resilience. Jonathan Hart scored early for New Longton and the hosts held the advantage until the 78th minute, when Charlie Gray squared the ledger. As the seconds ticked down in added time at the end of the second half, Jordan Tinsley got a yard on his defender and found the back of the net at the near post. Mid Lancashire Football League’s own Donna Artis Photography was on hand to capture images and highlights for YouTube:

Wyre Villa 2-1 Westgate Wanderers Hawks
Quietly earning six points from two games are Wyre Villa, who had Nico Moreton on the scoresheet once more. This week he was joined by Rory Walmsley as the hosts emerged narrow victors at Hallgate Park. Connor Mason was the man responsible for Westgate Wanderers’ goal.

Sir Tom Finney 2-2 Tarleton Corinthians ‘A’
A score draw for the two sides at the University of Lancashire Sports Arena saw the spoils shared. Adrian Barbu and Adam Robinson with first half strikes for Sir Tom Finney helped the home team to earn their first point of the new season. A similar story for Tarleton Corinthians second side, they’ve only played two but did lose previously against Westgate Wanderers Hawks.

Division Two

Preston City 9-0 Broughton Amateurs Reserves
The early pace-setters in the Second Division are Preston City, who sit top with six points from two games and a goal difference of plus twelve. They were impressive in earning victory at home to Broughton Amateurs Reserves.

Lancaster Red Rose 3-1 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves
Keeping pace at the summit with Preston City are Lancaster Red Rose, who picked up their second win of the season at home against Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves. Luke Goulding-Mchugh, Connor Wallis and Reece Finnigan all struck in the first half for the hosts at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Patrick Devlin scored for the visitors.

Hindley Green 5-4 Freckleton FC Reserves
It was a first win of the season in their first game of the season for Hindley Green despite a titanic tussle between themselves and Freckleton FC Reserves. Callum Howard scored four for Hindley Green, while the goals were shared for Freckleton between Thomas O’Neil, Daniel Stenton, Tommy Trudgeon and Samuel Hinds.

Eccleston & Heskin Reserves 4-6 Ribchester Rovers
Last on our report but certainly not least, in fact one of the most exciting games of the day as ten goals were scored at Eccleston Village Recreation Ground. By 20 minutes on the watch, Stirling Winder had scored a hat-trick to give the away side a strong lead but by the break, it was all square as two from Andrew Smith and another from Jordan McCollough for Eccleston brought things level. In the second half Ben Bristo put Ribchester back ahead, only for Jacob Chew to equalise. A brace by Ribchester substitute Connor Roberts settled the game in favour of the away side.

Debutants Preston City Earn First Win in the Mid Lancashire Football League

The first batch of midweek fixtures in the Mid Lancashire Football League saw several teams get their first three points of the season under their belt, while Hoole United earned their first win of the season in the Premiership.

PREMIERSHIP

Hoole United 2-0 Tarleton Corinthians
Having suffered a 2-0 defeat on the opening day of the season, Hoole United earned their first win of the fledgling season by overcoming Tarleton Corinthians by the same scoreline. Matthew Thompson was responsible for both goals to earn the hosts victory at Much Hoole Playing Field. Tarleton will travel to Shevington on Saturday and look to repeat Hoole’s feat of success in their second fixture of the season.

DIVISION ONE

AFC Ainsdale 3-2 Southport Trinity
The home side made it two wins from two games played on Tuesday evening at JMO Sports Park. Having won 2-1 on Saturday at Wigan Rovers, Ainsdale followed up with another victory. Martin Matthews’ opener was cancelled out by Eric Thompson to make the score 1-1 at the interval. Two quickfire goals in the second 45 from Ainsdale’s Joe Tinsley on the counter and Jack Leatherbarrow direct from a free-kick. Southport scored with ten to play to make a nervy ending for AFC Ainsdale.

New Longton Rovers Reserves 3-1 Much Hoole Reserves
As the first team were winning their game at home, Much Hoole Reserves were on the road but fell short at New Longton Rovers Reserves. Another side that won on the opening day were New Longton’s second side, they continued their form with Zak Slater, Jamie Morris and substitute Rhys Smith on the scoresheet. Jamie Worden got Much Hoole Reserves’ goal. Six points out of six meant that the gauntlet was thrown down to the first team, who played on Wednesday evening.

New Longton Rovers 2-0 Sir Tom Finney
There are now three teams on six points at the top of Division One after New Longton Rovers joined their reserves and AFC Ainsdale with two wins from their opening two fixtures. A pair of Evans’, Jordan and Oliver, were responsible for the goals as New Longton followed up their 5-1 success against Fleetwood Hesketh with another victory.

DIVISION TWO

Freckleton FC Reserves 0-3 Preston City
Making their debut in the Mid Lancashire Football League, Preston City claimed three points at the first time of asking. Having had their opening game against Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves on Saturday postponed, Preston City made no mistake in a Tuesday evening fixture at Bush Lane. Freckleton FC Reserves opened their season with a 2-0 win against Ribchester at the weekend but suffered home disappointment against the newcomers.

Defending Champions Marsh United Open New Season With Home Victory

The 2026-27 Mid Lancashire Football League season got underway this past weekend with two of last season’s top two in the Premier Division in action. Thank you to all club secretaries, coaches, parents, players, supporters and officials for their patience during the offseason. There were 56 goals scored in 12 games as teams hit the ground running after their pre-season schedules.

Premiership

Marsh United 2-0 Hoole United
Lancaster’s Marsh United won last season’s Premier Division by just one point from Standish St. Wilfrids and Walmer Bridge, combining success with the Guild Hall Cup. Jamie Taylor scored in the showpiece occasion at Leyland’s County Ground and he got Marsh’s season underway with a first half goal against Hoole United. The second 45 saw Jerome Jolly add to the scoreline, earning Marsh an opening day win as they opened their title defence.

Shevington 3-3 Walmer Bridge
A pulsating game at Vicarage Lane saw a share of the spoils after Daniel Simm’s 77th minute equaliser for the hosts. Shevington took an early lead through Joseph Hull before Walmer turned things around, going into the sheds two goals to one ahead thanks to Dom Case and Matty Wignall. Zak Deaves is always a dangerman for Walmer Bridge, he put the visitors 3-1 up before Shevington reduced the arrears through Jack Hamilton on the hour mark. Simm’s leveller was enough for a point each to both sides.

Eccleston & Heskin 4-3 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
The home side will be delighted to have earned three hard-fought points on Saturday having gone three goals down to Southport & Ainsdale. Conor Bligh and Charles Lunt established a two-goal lead for the home side by the ten minute mark and when Bligh added a second with ten to play before the interval, it must have looked like a secure three points would be taken back to Sefton. Eccleston were on the board by half time, Alex Brooks the goalscorer. If the Eccleston & Heskin coaching team could share what they said at the break, we’d all appreciate it, because just six minutes after play resumed, they were level at 3-3. Two more Brooks goals earned him a hat-trick and Ted Ball scored the winning goal on 65 minutes.

Astley FC 2-2 Highgrove
A score draw at West Way was the final result, meaning both sides claimed a point from their opening league fixture. Highgrove had Liam Breslin and Harvey Ogley to thank for their goals, while Astley’s Charles Young notched a brace. Last season Astley won both games between the two sides so a point for Highgrove represents a better return than in 2025-26.

Division One

Wyre Villa FC 8-1 Southport Trinity
Third on the ladder last season, Wyre Villa are looking to go two better this time around and started in commanding fashion. It was an impressive performance at Hallgate Park as Rory Walmsley scored a hat-trick, both Nico Moreton and Tom Whiteside recorded braces, Toby Smith also on the scoresheet for Wyre. There will be better days for promoted Trinity.

New Longton Rovers 5-1 Fleetwood Hesketh
New Longton boast two teams in Division One this season, the first side and their reserves. The first team were at home and picked up three points at the first time of asking. Joseph Richardson contributed four goals and Harry Hardacre added one to see New Longton take up second spot behind Wyre.

Sir Tom Finney FC 1-3 New Longton Rovers Reserves
Promoted from Division Two from second place just two points shy of winners Lostock St Gerard’s, New Longton Rovers Reserves showed their quality with a 3-1 success away at ULan Sports Arena. Zak Slater struck first for New Longton before Jamie Forshaw squared the ledger for Sir Tom Finney. Joshua Tayor’s two strikes, one just shy of the half hour and one in the second half, meant it was a New Longton Rovers double on the opening day.

Westgate Wanderers Hawks 5-4 Tarleton Corinthians ‘A’
Last season it took Westgate Hawks until mid-January to record their first three points of the league season, they have bettered that record by five months with victory against Tarleton Corinthians ‘A’. A brace from James Okeeffe and a hat-trick by Connor Mason was enough to win at King Georges Playing Field.

Wigan Rovers 1-2 AFC Ainsdale
A second away win of Division One’s opening day fixtures saw Ainsdale claim the chocolates at St James Park. Owen Highton opened the scoring for the visitors early in the first half and on 65 minutes, Wigan Rovers’ Daniel Bibby levelled the score. Charlie Gray grabbed the winner of 71 minutes for AFC Ainsdale.

Hoole United Reserves 0-1 Middleton & Overton Sports FC
And the final away win of Division One went the way of Middleton & Overton Sports. A tight affair with Hoole United’s reserves resulted in a 1-0 scoreline in favour of the away team with Nick Grundy the man responsible for the sole goal of the game on 22 minutes.

Division Two

Lancaster Red Rose FC 3-0 Wyre Villa Reserves
The first of two games in Division Two saw the three points earned by hosts Lancaster Red Rose at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Harry Tinkler and Thomas Leech gave Lancaster a two-goal advantage at the break and Alfie Askew added a third in the second half.

Ribchester Rovers 0-2 Freckleton FC Reserves
Freckleton’s reserve side joined Lancaster Red Rose on three points from the opening day after a 2-0 victory on the road at Ribchester. Taylor Royle struck on 21 minutes to give the away side the lead, which they held at 1-0 until the 90th minute when substitute Daniel Valentine added a goal to give the visitors a two-goal margin.