Saturday 3rd January was a day when the fixture list bowed to the elements, as Mother Nature had the loudest voice across the league. Fourteen matches were scheduled, but relentless conditions wiped out all but three, leaving just a handful of teams able to brave the weather and get football played. One fixture was ultimately settled by a home walkover, while those that did beat the elements served up goals, drama, and a timely reminder that even on a weather-ravaged weekend, the game still finds a way.
DIVISION ONE
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 6–3 AFC Ainsdale
This one caught fire early and never really cooled. AFC Ainsdale struck first through Joe Tinsley, but the response from the hosts was emphatic. A stunning 35-yard swinging free kick from Robson Baldwin hauled Southport level before Olly Morton’s low drive edged them ahead. The game swung back again when Tinsley bundled home his second, only for Charles Lunt to light up the first half with an unstoppable strike to make it 3–2 at the break.
The second half belonged firmly to the home side. Morton grabbed his second shortly after the restart to give breathing space, before Antonio Berisha rifled home a bullet finish that all but settled matters. Charlie Allen calmly slotted the sixth to cap a dominant spell, with Liam Parker’s late effort offering a final twist but little more than consolation in a breathless nine-goal contest.
Westgate Hawks 4–1 New Longton Rovers
Westgate Hawks delivered a commanding performance, blending control with clinical finishing. Connor Mason led the charge with a well-taken brace, setting the tone as the hosts consistently found space in the final third. Joseph Penrice added further gloss, while substitute Edward Harrison made his mark from the bench to underline Westgate’s depth.
New Longton Rovers did respond through George Kelly, whose strike briefly offered hope, but Westgate never looked rattled. They managed the game smartly thereafter, seeing it out with authority and turning a competitive opening into a deserved and convincing home victory.
DIVISION TWO
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs A 4–1 Southport Trinity
A strong all-round display from Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs A ensured they took full control of this local clash. Patrick Devlin was the standout, netting twice with composed finishes that gave the hosts a firm grip on proceedings. Trinity battled and were rewarded with a goal through Jake Pilkington, keeping the contest alive for a spell.
However, the bench proved decisive. Substitutes Kamran Oneil and Corey Forshaw both found the net late on, turning a solid lead into a convincing scoreline. It was a polished performance that reflected well on the hosts’ squad depth and game management.