Premiership
Eccleston & Heskin 3-5 Shevington
Eccleston & Heskin were cruising with a 2-0 lead at halftime thanks to Henry Stock’s early strike and Alex Brooks’ cool finish. But Shevington had a different script for the second half! Shaun Whittle’s goal kick-started the comeback in the 48th minute, and then Louie Fitzpatrick absolutely ran the show with a hat-trick blitz in just over 25 minutes. Jack Hamilton added a cherry on top with a goal in the 76th minute. Alex Brooks pulled one back late on, but by then, the Shevington storm had done its damage.
The second half felt like a footballing rollercoaster as Shevington flipped the game upside down. Eccleston & Heskin went from confident to stunned in what can only be described as a footballing heist. Fitzpatrick’s hat-trick will be talked about for weeks, leaving Eccleston wondering what on earth happened after their perfect first 45.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs 0-0 Walmer Bridge
In a match that could be described as 90 minutes of defensive perfection or attacking frustration, Southport & Ainsdale and Walmer Bridge played out a goalless draw. Both teams had their moments, but neither could find that all-important breakthrough. A good old-fashioned clean sheet is about the only thing the managers will be smiling about!
This one was more about who didn’t slip up rather than who was going to seize the day. With no goals to celebrate, the only drama was keeping an eye on the clock, hoping something might finally happen. Spoiler: it didn’t.
Division One
AFC Ainsdale 6-2 Ribchester Rovers
AFC Ainsdale hit Ribchester Rovers for six in a lively affair. The home side’s attack was relentless, leaving Ribchester defenders spinning, while Jack Billington and Lee Miller managed to save some face with their two goals. Ribchester’s Shaun Earl also saw yellow, but the real fireworks came from Ainsdale, who netted six with ease.
Ribchester simply couldn’t keep up with the flood of goals from Ainsdale, who looked like they were having a training session. Shaun Earl’s yellow card was a tough reminder for Ribchester, who will be licking their wounds after this drubbing.
Appley Bridge 7-2 Leyland RAFA
Appley Bridge were in red-hot form, smashing seven goals past Leyland RAFA with a hat-trick each from Daniel Atkins and Liam Hilton. Declan Ashurst kicked things off, and from then on, Leyland were playing catch-up. Despite goals from Alan Cunningham and Nathaniel Colwell, it was all too much for the visitors, who simply couldn’t plug the leaks.
Leyland RAFA were left reeling as Appley Bridge flexed their attacking muscles. By the time the final whistle blew, Appley Bridge had turned the game into a highlight reel of goals, leaving RAFA wondering how they were on the wrong side of a goal fest.
Cherrybrook 0-1 Standish St Wilfrids Reserves
A nail-biter at Cherrybrook ended with a single goal to separate the sides, as Standish St Wilfrids Reserves snatched a win. It took until the 61st minute for Jay Bramwell to break the deadlock, sealing the three points for the visitors. Cherrybrook huffed and puffed, but just couldn’t find the equalizer.
It wasn’t a game for the goal-hungry fan, but for Standish, it was mission accomplished. The home side will be left ruing missed chances while Bramwell’s goal turned out to be the golden ticket.
Sir Tom Finney 5-2 Cube FC
Sir Tom Finney were in dazzling form, rattling in five goals to put Cube FC to the sword. The visitors managed two consolation goals, but that was the only solace they could take from an afternoon where Sir Tom Finney ran riot.
Cube FC left with heads hanging low as Sir Tom Finney’s attackers left no mercy, making sure the scoreline reflected their dominance. Cube will be wondering how to patch up their defense after this humbling encounter.
Division Two
Castle FC 4-3 Middleton & Overton Sports
It was a goal-filled thriller as Castle FC edged out Middleton & Overton Sports 4-3. Guy Spence was the star, bagging a hat-trick and then some with three goals, including a crucial late winner. Jakub Kowalik’s strike added to the tally, but Middleton fought back with goals from Michael McGrady and Kevin Coward, keeping the game on a knife’s edge until the final whistle.
Just when it looked like Middleton might pull off the comeback, Spence popped up again to secure the points for Castle. Middleton’s last-minute push was valiant, but Castle’s determination paid off in this seven-goal spectacle.
Fleetwood Hesketh 1-2 Wigan Rovers
Fleetwood Hesketh took an early lead thanks to David Norbury’s 17th-minute goal, but Wigan Rovers clawed back to secure a 2-1 victory. Callum Bayliss leveled things before halftime, and Joseph Fairhurst’s 80th-minute winner sealed the deal for Wigan.
It was a tale of two halves as Fleetwood started brightly but couldn’t hang on. Wigan’s late pressure paid off, and they took home all three points in a closely fought battle.
Marsh United 7-3 Astley FC Reserves
Marsh United turned on the style with a 7-3 demolition of Astley FC Reserves. Jamie Coulton and Daniel Smith both had days to remember, with Smith bagging a whopping four goals! Jak Turner and Tom Holt offered resistance for Astley, but they were simply outclassed.
Marsh United’s attacking firepower was on full display as they tore through Astley’s defense. It was a goal fest for the home fans, with Coulton and Smith running the show in this high-scoring encounter.
New Longton Rovers 0-7 Westgate Hawks
Westgate Hawks soared high with a 7-0 thrashing of New Longton Rovers. Edward Harrison grabbed a hat-trick, with goals from Devon Hill, Chris Kavanagh, and Charlie Smith adding to the scoreline. It was a dominant performance from start to finish as the Hawks never took their foot off the gas.
New Longton will be having nightmares about this one as Westgate’s attacking barrage left them without answers. A comprehensive win for the Hawks who were ruthless from the get-go.
Division Three
Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves 5-0 Middleton & Overton Sports FC Reserves
Broughton Amateurs Reserves crushed Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves with a dominant 5-0 win. Charles Whitworth was unstoppable, netting four goals, while Mohamed Abdalla Hashim added another for good measure.
Middleton & Overton had no answer for Whitworth’s brilliance, as the striker put on a one-man show, sending Broughton’s fans home delighted.
Chipping FC A 1-4 Marsh United Reserves
Marsh United Reserves took control of this match, putting on a goal-scoring clinic to leave Chipping FC A in their wake. The first-half was all about Marsh’s attacking prowess, with Theo Callender opening the scoring in the 30th minute. Not to be outdone, Connor Wallis doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a precise finish, before Seamus Sharkey put the icing on the first-half cake with a goal in stoppage time (45+1). Chipping found themselves 3-0 down by the break and wondering how to stop the Marsh onslaught.
Despite some fight from Chipping FC in the second half, Marsh United Reserves kept the pressure on. Sonnie Thompson added a fourth goal in the 74th minute, sealing the win in style. Chipping did manage to find the back of the net, but it was too little, too late, as Marsh walked away with a well-earned 4-1 victory.
Walmer Bridge Reserves 3-0 AFC Ainsdale Reserves
Walmer Bridge Reserves were in full control with a 3-0 win over AFC Ainsdale Reserves. Ross Greenhalgh led the charge with a brace, while Charles Akporotu added a third to wrap up the points.
Ainsdale Reserves couldn’t break through the resolute Walmer defense, and Greenhalgh’s clinical finishing made sure it was a comfortable afternoon for the hosts.
Wyre Villa Reserves 6-0 Shevington Reserves
Wyre Villa Reserves enjoyed a goal-filled afternoon with a 6-0 thrashing of Shevington Reserves. Zach Crosbie and sub John Cardwell both grabbed two goals each, with Jacob Anderton and Danny Wilson joining the party.
It was a one-sided affair from start to finish, as Wyre Villa showed no mercy and gave their fans plenty to cheer about.
Liverpool County FA Saturday Junior Cup
Burscough Dynamo 2-0 Sankey Vale Reserves
Burscough Dynamo powered to a 2-0 victory over Sankey Vale Reserves in the Liverpool County FA Saturday Junior Cup. Curtis Carberry and Bradley Fanning found the net as Burscough’s defense held firm to keep a clean sheet.
It was a professional display from Burscough, who controlled the game and took their chances when they came, sending them through to the next round.
Haydock 1-1 (Pens 5-6) Bickerstaffe
After a tense 1-1 draw, Bickerstaffe emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout. Alex Grisedale gave Bickerstaffe the lead in the 54th minute, but Haydock fought back to force spot-kicks. Bickerstaffe held their nerve to win 6-5 on penalties and advance.
It was a nail-biting finish to a fiercely contested match, with Bickerstaffe just edging it on penalties to keep their cup hopes alive.