It was a thrilling weekend of football, packed with drama, goals, and standout performances across multiple divisions and cup competitions. The highlight of the round saw Standish St Wilfrids emerge victorious in a pulsating 5-3 battle against Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs, while Jakub Kowalik stole the show with a stunning hat-trick in Castle FC’s dominant 7-0 win over Fleetwood Hesketh. Elsewhere, Shevington edged past Appley Bridge in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw. The accompanying photos from the Shevington vs. Appley Bridge clash, capturing the intensity of the game, are courtesy of Sid Richards Photography.
Premiership
Burscough Dynamo 1-0 Eccleston & Heskin
Burscough Dynamo edged out Eccleston & Heskin with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a decisive goal from Fletcher Foster. A solid defensive display ensured they held on for all three points.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs 3-5 Standish St Wilfrids
In a goal-laden thriller, Standish St Wilfrids came out on top against Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs, securing a 5-3 away win. Wilson Cabral gave the hosts hope alongside a brace from substitute Muhammed Samateh, but Standish proved too strong. A double from Joseph Burkes, plus goals from Johan Du Toit and Samir Sobeih (x2), ensured the visitors left with maximum points.
Division Two
Castle FC 7-0 Fleetwood Hesketh
Castle FC put on a dominant display, thrashing Fleetwood Hesketh 7-0. Jakub Kowalik opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Daniel Thornton and Leslie Comerford added quick-fire goals. Comerford grabbed his second before the break to send Castle into halftime with a commanding lead.
The second half saw Kowalik complete his hat-trick, netting twice more, while substitute George Stokes got in on the action. A ruthless performance from Castle, who never gave their opponents a chance.
Guildhall Cup
Shevington 1-1 Appley Bridge
Shevington and Appley Bridge played out a tense 1-1 draw, with Sam Burton netting for the home side. Shevington had the chance to seal the win in normal time, but Louie Fitzpatrick missed a crucial penalty, sending the match into extra time and ultimately a shootout.
In the penalty drama, Shevington held their nerve, with Fitzpatrick, Jack Roper, and Sonny Pilgrim converting, while Sebi Dollar produced two vital saves to see them through 3-2 on penalties.
Lancastrian Brigade Cup
AFC Ainsdale Reserves 0-2 New Longton Rovers
New Longton Rovers secured a 2-0 away win over AFC Ainsdale Reserves. George Kelly broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, giving Rovers the lead at halftime. Jack Hardacre then came off the bench to seal the victory in the 68th minute.
Hoole United 4-1 Cherrybrook
Hoole United cruised to a 4-1 win over Cherrybrook, with William Cooper netting twice, supported by goals from Adam Thomas and Jack Smith. Jack Crowther grabbed a consolation for the visitors, but it was nowhere near enough.
Sir Tom Finney 1-2 Marsh United Reserves
Sir Tom Finney FC looked on course for victory after Joshua Omotoyinbo’s 19th-minute opener, but Marsh United Reserves had other ideas. Connor Wallis equalized early in the second half before Jordan Ghorst completed the turnaround in the 62nd minute to secure a 2-1 win.
Standish St Wilfrids Reserves 4-2 Westgate Hawks
Standish St Wilfrids Reserves ran out 4-2 winners over Westgate Hawks in a pulsating contest. A brace from Rob Thomas, a goal from substitute Kyle Stebbings, and an own goal secured the win, despite efforts from Connor Mason and Edward Harrison for the visitors.
Walmer Bridge Reserves 3-2 Leyland RAFA
Adam Rae was the hero for Walmer Bridge Reserves, firing a hat-trick in their 3-2 victory over Leyland RAFA. Ryan Joyce and Connor Thomas netted for the away side, but Rae’s clinical finishing made the difference.
Wyre Villa Reserves 3-1 Chipping FC A
Wyre Villa Reserves earned a 3-1 win over Chipping FC A, with Zach Crosbie, Alex Rhodes, and Leece Linley all getting on the scoresheet. Nathan Crook’s goal for Chipping proved to be only a consolation in an otherwise comfortable victory for the hosts.