Premiership
Highgrove 0-1 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
In a hard-fought encounter, Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs edged out Highgrove with a narrow 1-0 victory. Oliver Riley proved to be the difference maker, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score the decisive goal. Despite Highgrove’s spirited attempts to find an equalizer, the visiting defense held firm, ensuring a valuable three points for Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs.
Division One
Cherrybrook 5-1 AFC Ainsdale
Cherrybrook delivered a dominant performance against AFC Ainsdale, running out 5-1 winners at Leisure United Laithwaite Park. Jack Thorogood opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a clinical finish and doubled his tally just before the break in the 45th minute, giving Cherrybrook a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime. Harrison Fleming added a third goal shortly after the restart in the 51st minute, showcasing his precision in front of goal.
Despite a brief moment of hope for AFC Ainsdale with Matty Howard’s strike in the 59th minute, Cherrybrook quickly reasserted their dominance. Thorogood completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute with a thunderous effort, before Fleming capped off the scoring in the 75th minute with his second goal of the match. Cherrybrook’s comprehensive victory underlined their attacking flair and solidified their position as league contenders.
Division Three
Marsh United Reserves 2-0 Chipping FC A
After a cagey first half that saw both sides cancel each other out, Marsh United Reserves found their stride in the second period to secure a 2-0 victory over Chipping FC A. Connor Wallis was the star of the show, breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute with a composed finish. Eight minutes later, he doubled Marsh United’s advantage with another well-taken goal, sealing the win for his side.
Chipping FC A’s defense worked tirelessly to contain the home side’s attacks, but Wallis’s sharpness in front of goal ultimately proved too much. Marsh United’s disciplined defensive display ensured the visitors were unable to mount a comeback, securing a well-deserved three points.Division Two
Lancastrian Brigade Cup
Astley FC Reserves 1-4 New Longton Rovers
New Longton Rovers delivered an emphatic 4-1 win against Astley FC Reserves in a game filled with attacking flair. George Kelly opened the scoring for the visitors in the 8th minute, but Astley responded in the 23rd minute through Matthew Hurst to level the match going into halftime. The second half, however, was dominated by New Longton Rovers, with Christian Roach restoring their lead in the 53rd minute.
An own goal in the 68th minute compounded Astley’s woes before George Kelly sealed the result with his second goal in the 80th minute. Astley fought valiantly but were unable to cope with the Rovers’ clinical finishing and dynamic forward play.
Sir Tom Finney 7-0 Bay Rangers FC
Sir Tom Finney delivered a statement performance with a commanding 7-0 demolition of Bay Rangers FC. Jonathan Ssekiziyiyu set the tone with a goal in the very first minute, and further strikes from Conor Garrett, Michael Rogers, and Joshua Omotoyinbo had the hosts leading 5-0 by halftime.
The second half saw Sir Tom Finney maintain their relentless approach, with Adrian Barbu and substitute Vinnie Bradshaw adding further goals to complete the rout. Credit must be given to Bay Rangers for their determination and sportsmanship throughout the game, but the day belonged to Sir Tom Finney, who were simply unstoppable.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 2-3 Hoole United
Hoole United edged out Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves in a pulsating 3-2 encounter. Elliot Marsden opened the scoring for Hoole in the 2nd minute, with Adam Thomas doubling their advantage in the 10th minute. Thomas struck again just before halftime to complete his brace and give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead.
The home side mounted a spirited fightback in the second half, with Tomas Wright scoring twice in the 67th and 80th minutes to set up a nervy finish. Despite their late surge, Southport & Ainsdale Reserves fell just short, as Hoole United held on for a hard-fought victory.Guildhall Cup
Lancashire FA Amateur Cup
Appley Bridge 5-2 Pennington Reserves
Appley Bridge showcased their attacking prowess with a convincing 5-2 victory over Pennington Reserve. The home side dominated proceedings, consistently carving out chances and converting them with precision to secure their progression in the competition.
Standish St Wilfrids 2-3 The Village Club, Culcheth
In a tightly contested match, The Village Club, Culcheth, edged out Standish St Wilfrids 3-2. Ross Ellison and Adam Simpkin found the net for the hosts, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the visitors’ attacking threat. The Village Club displayed great determination to secure a valuable win and advance in the cup.