Saturday’s fixtures delivered drama, goals, and standout performances across the divisions, with Astley FC’s Tom Crook stealing the headlines in an unforgettable 6-5 victory over Hoole United. His last-gasp winner capped off a pulsating encounter, making him the standout player of the weekend. Meanwhile, Standish St Wilfrids showcased their dominance with convincing wins across multiple competitions, proving their strength as the team to beat. With thrilling comebacks, resolute defensive displays, and clinical finishing on show, it was a weekend full of talking points in local football.
Photos and videos from the Lancastrian Brigade Cup match between Middleton & Overton Sports and Shevington Reserves, courtesy of DONNA ARTIS PHOTOGRAPHY. Full album available here.

Premiership

Tarleton Corinthians 3-2 Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs
Tarleton Corinthians edged a thrilling contest against Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs with a late winner. Lewis Bannister broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, but Alexander Francis quickly responded for the visitors with a brace. Ryan Torley restored Tarleton’s lead in the 62nd minute before George David Carrington sealed the win three minutes from time, ensuring all three points stayed with the home side.

Walmer Bridge 1-3 Standish St Wilfrids
A clinical Standish St Wilfrids proved too strong for Walmer Bridge, running out 3-1 winners. Elliot Walsh pulled one back for the hosts just after the hour mark, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, with Ross Ellison, Adam Simpkin, and Samir Sobeih all on target for the visitors in a commanding display.

Division One

Astley FC 6-5 Hoole United
Astley FC and Hoole United served up an instant classic, with the hosts snatching a dramatic 6-5 victory deep into stoppage time. Hoole took an early lead through Alfie Parker in the opening minute, before Ben Rooke doubled their advantage in the 15th. Astley responded immediately through Tom Crook, but Adam Thomas restored Hoole’s two-goal cushion. Just before the break, Crook grabbed his second to keep Astley within touching distance at 2-3.

The second half was a relentless rollercoaster. Charles Young equalised on 57 minutes, only for Rooke to put Hoole back in front six minutes later. Astley’s Luke Robinson made it 4-4, but Sam Craven struck just moments later to give Hoole a 5-4 lead. Cieran Dowd pulled Astley level again in the 82nd minute, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. With the game heading for a draw, Tom Crook completed his hat-trick in the dying seconds to seal an astonishing victory for Astley.

Leyland RAFA FC 1-5 Standish St Wilfrids Reserves
Standish St Wilfrids Reserves put on a ruthless display to dismantle Leyland RAFA in a 5-1 victory. Connor Thomas struck for the hosts, but they were no match for a rampant Standish attack, with Jack Saunders, Kyle Stebbings (twice), Rob Thomas, and Lewis Hodgso all getting on the scoresheet.

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 2-0 AFC Ainsdale
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves claimed the local bragging rights with a hard-fought 2-0 win over AFC Ainsdale. The first half was a tightly contested battle, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. S&A’s goalkeeper Josh Oldfield was forced into action early on, tipping over a dangerous cross-shot to keep the game level. With the match played at a fierce tempo, the home side finally found the breakthrough just before halftime. Striker Jack Osborne won a free kick near the corner flag, and from the resulting set-piece, Antonio Berisha whipped in a pinpoint delivery for captain Tom Wright to flick a clever header over Andy Thorpe in the Ainsdale goal.

The second half saw AFC Ainsdale push forward in search of an equaliser, but S&A stood firm, with defenders Dan Gautrey, Jack Sawyer, and Jamie McCormack putting in a resilient shift. The visitors’ best chance came in the 70th minute, but Tom Haworth produced a stunning goal-line clearance to deny them. S&A had a strong penalty appeal waved away when Osborne was taken down by the goalkeeper, but they wouldn’t be denied a second goal. With just a minute remaining, Berisha broke free and slotted home clinically to secure a well-earned victory. Olly Morton and Haworth shared the Player of the Match award after a tireless display in midfield and defence.

Division Three

Bay Rangers FC A 1-3 Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves
Broughton Amateurs Reserves put in a strong away performance to take all three points at Bay Rangers. Jordan Newton struck for the hosts, but Broughton proved too strong, with Jonathan Gough, Mohamed Abdalla Hashim, and George Whelan all finding the net.

Marsh United Reserves 5-2 AFC Ainsdale Reserves
Marsh United Reserves delivered a commanding performance, racing into a 3-0 lead by the 54th minute. Joseph Raymond opened the scoring, followed by Ethan Markland and substitute Theo Callender. Harry Tinkler and Jack Benson added further goals to secure a 5-2 win, as AFC Ainsdale Reserves struggled to cope with the relentless pressure.

Wyre Villa Reserves 4-0 Middleton & Overton Sports FC Reserves
Wyre Villa Reserves eased to a 4-0 victory over Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves, securing a dominant win without reply. The home side controlled the game throughout and showed their quality in a comfortable result.

Lancastrian Brigade Cup

Middleton & Overton Sports FC 0-2 Shevington Reserves
Shevington Reserves marched into the Quarter Finals of the Lancastrian Brigade Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Middleton & Overton Sports FC. Will Unsworth opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing clinically to put the visitors in front. Middleton responded with tactical changes before halftime, but struggled to break down a well-organised Shevington defence.

As Middleton pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments, their goalkeeper ventured upfield in search of a last-gasp opportunity. However, Unsworth produced a moment of magic, launching an audacious strike from the halfway line to catch the stranded keeper and seal the win in stoppage time. A disciplined display from Shevington saw them through to the next round in style.

Video: All the goals from the Middleton & Overton Sports v Shevington Reserves match