Saturday 17th January delivered a feast of football across the leagues, with drama, goals, and plenty of talking points to keep fans buzzing. From nail-biting draws and last-gasp winners to emphatic scorelines that will live long in the memory, the day had it all. Whether it was cup tension, high-scoring thrillers, or dominant displays, these fixtures showcased the passion and unpredictability that make grassroots football so special. Let’s dive into the action and relive every twist and turn.
Premiership
Burscough Dynamo 1-0 Astley FC
It was a tight affair at Burscough where Joshua Middleton’s decisive strike proved the difference. Dynamo showed grit and composure, holding off Astley’s late surge to secure all three points. A classic example of taking your chance when it matters most.
Highgrove 3-11 Marsh United
What a spectacle! Marsh United turned on the style in a goal-fest, with Josh Staniforth bagging four and Aaron Hoyle leading the charge with a hat-trick. Highgrove fought valiantly, with Bradley, Martin, and Ogley finding the net, but Marsh’s relentless attacking waves were simply unstoppable. A statement win for the visitors.
Division One
AFC Ainsdale 5-5 Fleetwood Hesketh
An absolute thriller! Ainsdale and Fleetwood traded blows in a pulsating contest that had everything—goals, drama, and late twists. Seb Mikolajewski’s brace and Jack Leatherbarrow’s strike looked to have sealed it for the hosts, but Ryan Wareing’s double ensured Fleetwood left with a share of the spoils. A game for the neutrals!
Astley FC Reserves 0-1 Westgate Hawks
A cagey encounter decided by Tom Bennett’s cool finish for the Hawks. Astley pushed hard for an equaliser, but Westgate’s disciplined backline held firm to claim a hard-earned victory.
Marsh United Reserves 3-1 New Longton Rovers
Marsh Reserves showed their class with a commanding display. Goals from Tinkler, Wallis, and Gardner sealed the win, despite a spirited effort from Christian Roach for the visitors. A solid performance from the home side.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 4-0 Tarleton Corinthians A
Southport & Ainsdale were ruthless from start to finish. Thomas Elliot Haworth opened the scoring before Jack Osborne doubled the lead before the break. The second half saw Conor Bligh and Osborne again put the game beyond doubt.
In truth, it was a masterclass in control and finishing—Corinthians simply couldn’t cope with the tempo and precision on display.
Standish St Wilfrids Reserves 1-0 Middleton & Overton Sports FC
Jack Saunders was the hero for Standish, netting the decisive goal in a tightly contested match. Both sides battled hard, but the home team’s resilience earned them a deserved win.
Wyre Villa 2-1 Sir Tom Finney
Wyre Villa left it late, with substitutes Ben Drummond and Jonah McNab turning the tide after Vinnie Bradshaw had given Sir Tom Finney the lead. A dramatic comeback that underlines Villa’s depth and determination.
Division Two
Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves 1-1 Shevington Reserves
A balanced contest where Matthew Stoney’s opener was cancelled out by Samuel Warburton’s second-half strike. Both teams had chances to snatch victory, but honours ended even.
Lostock St Gerards Blue 4-1 Hoole United Reserves
Lostock were clinical, racing into a 3-1 lead by half-time and never looking back. Rowland’s brace, alongside goals from Topley and Wane, sealed a convincing win. Hoole’s consolation came via an own goal, but the hosts were dominant throughout.
Ribchester Rovers 0-7 New Longton Rovers Reserves
A demolition job from New Longton! Rhys Smith set the tone early, and Nahum Davis stole the show with a hat-trick. Zak Slater added two of his own, while Ryan Cromie chipped in to complete the rout.
Ribchester simply had no answers as wave after wave of attacks overwhelmed them—New Longton were relentless and clinical in front of goal.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs A 1-2 Chipping FC A
A tight contest edged by Chipping, thanks to goals from Nathan Crook and substitute Daniel Gee. William Whittingham’s strike gave the hosts hope, but Chipping held firm to take the points.
Guildhall Cup – Round 3
Eccleston & Heskin 7-2 Shevington
Eccleston & Heskin were in scintillating form, with Alex Brooks bagging a hat-trick and McMillan, Rolls, Aird, and Drummond joining the party. Shevington fought back through Ewan Hamilton’s brace, but the home side’s attacking flair proved far too much.
Tarleton Corinthians 1-1 (Pens 2-3) Walmer Bridge
A tense cup tie that had everything—early drama as Lewis Bannister put Tarleton ahead, only for Kieran Carpenter to level after the break.
The penalty shootout was nerve-shredding, and Walmer Bridge held their nerve to edge through. A cruel way to decide it, but that’s knockout football at its finest.