It was a weekend of high drama, stunning individual performances, and goal-laden encounters across the leagues and cup competitions. Highgrove delivered a ruthless nine-goal masterclass, while Standish St Wilfrids put on an unforgettable display to storm into the Guildhall Cup final with a 13-0 demolition of Castle FC. Elsewhere, AFC Ainsdale Reserves’ Seb Mikolajewski stole the show with a hat-trick to sink Fleetwood Hesketh, and Joseph Richardson bagged an incredible six goals in New Longton Rovers’ emphatic win. With last-minute winners, hard-fought battles, and statement victories, this weekend had everything—let’s dive into the action! Photos and videos from the Guildhall Cup semi final between Standish St Wilfrids and Castle FC courtesy of DONNA ARTIS PHOTOGRAPHY.
PREMIERSHIP
Preston Wanderers 3-9 Highgrove
Highgrove ran riot against Preston Wanderers in a goal-fest that saw Harvey Ogley and Lewis McGrath terrorize the opposition defence. Ogley bagged a hat-trick with goals in the 9th, 54th, and 58th minutes, while McGrath netted four times (25, 34, 70, 75) to cap off a masterclass performance. Joe Martin (39) and Bradley Diamond (80) also got on the scoresheet as Highgrove proved far too strong for their opponents.
Preston Wanderers did have their moments, with Daniel Gardner scoring twice and George Lara adding another, but they were overwhelmed by Highgrove’s attacking prowess. A humbling afternoon for the home side, who will need to tighten up defensively in future outings.
Walmer Bridge 3-2 Bickerstaffe
Walmer Bridge edged a tight contest against Bickerstaffe in a game full of twists and late drama. Zak Deaves opened the scoring in the 18th minute, only for Alex Griesdale to equalize for Bickerstaffe. The game remained tense until the 72nd minute when Dominic Case restored Walmer Bridge’s lead, but the visitors weren’t finished yet. Substitute Josh Grice found the net to level the score once more, setting up a grandstand finish.
It was Walmer Bridge who had the last laugh, with Conor Ashe scoring a 90th-minute winner to secure all three points. A thrilling encounter that saw Walmer Bridge snatch victory at the death.
DIVISION ONE
AFC Ainsdale 3-2 Appley Bridge
AFC Ainsdale edged past Appley Bridge in a pulsating encounter. James Niedzwiecki fired the hosts ahead in the 26th minute, but Daniel Atkins struck back before the break to make it 1-1 at halftime. The visitors took the lead through Joseph Carter in the 50th minute, putting the pressure on Ainsdale.
However, fortune favoured the home side as an own goal in the 73rd minute brought them level before Zack Baggaley found the winner in the 85th minute to complete a comeback victory. A hard-fought game that showcased AFC Ainsdale’s resilience.
With no official teamsheet available for Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves, their goalscorers remain unknown, but they did enough to secure a narrow victory. Jack Saunders was on the scoresheet for Standish St Wilfrids Reserves, but his side couldn’t muster a comeback.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 2-1 Standish St Wilfrids Reserves
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Standish St Wilfrids Reserves. Goals from Jack Osborne and Thomas Elliot Haworth gave the home side the edge, with Jack Saunders scoring the only goal for the visitors. It was a close contest, but the hosts did just enough to see it through.
DIVISION THREE
Shevington Reserves 2-1 Chipping FC A
Shevington Reserves took control early in their 2-1 victory over Chipping FC A, racing into a two-goal lead thanks to Dillon Green and Ben Tunstall.
Nathan Crook pulled one back in the 35th minute for Chipping FC A, but Shevington managed the game well from that point, securing a well-earned three points.
GUILDHALL CUP
Shevington 4-5 Marsh United
A nine-goal thriller saw Marsh United edge out Shevington in a pulsating cup clash. Shevington’s Joe Cahill, Jordan Dainty, and substitute Shaun Whittle all found the net, but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.
Daniel Martin’s brace, along with goals from Aaron Hoyle, Daniel Smith, and substitute James McVittie, ensured Marsh United progressed in dramatic fashion. A game full of goals, tension, and talking points!
Standish St Wilfrids 13-0 Castle FC
Standish St Wilfrids absolutely steamrolled Castle FC in a staggering 13-0 demolition. Ross Ellison got the ball rolling inside two minutes, with Samir Sobeih and Johan Du Toit among the standout performers, both bagging hat-tricks.
Substitute James Harrison also made a big impact, netting twice, while Dan Holden added his name to the list of scorers. A ruthless and relentless performance from Standish, who never took their foot off the gas.
FRANK CURRY MEMORIAL CUP
Fleetwood Hesketh 2-4 AFC Ainsdale Reserves
Fleetwood Hesketh put up a brave fight but ultimately fell to AFC Ainsdale Reserves in an entertaining encounter. Youngster Ryan Wareing marked his debut with the opening goal, but Ainsdale responded through Seb Mikolajewski and Mick Challis.
Fleetwood kept themselves in it, leveling through Ben Harding, but Mikolajewski proved to be the difference, completing his hat-trick with two second-half strikes to seal the win for Ainsdale.
New Longton Rovers 8-3 Wigan Rovers
New Longton Rovers produced a stunning attacking display, putting eight past Wigan Rovers in a dominant performance. Joseph Richardson was unstoppable, bagging an incredible six-goal haul, with George Kelly and substitute Dean Sumner adding the others.
Wigan Rovers did manage to find the net through Lewis Blunt (twice) and Robbie Heaton, but they simply couldn’t contain New Longton’s firepower.
Sir Tom Finney 3-3 Astley FC Reserves
A thrilling 3-3 draw saw both sides share the spoils in a dramatic contest. Tomas Hodson gave Astley the lead before Joshua Omotoyinbo equalized just before the break.
The second half saw momentum swing both ways, with Conor Garrett and Vinnie Bradshaw scoring for Sir Tom Finney, while Charles Young and substitute James Knott ensured Astley FC Reserves left with a point. A cracking contest right to the final whistle.