With Mother Nature calling most of the shots, the few surviving fixtures brought the heat to kick off the season in style.
The new year may have started with a downpour, but 2025 kicked off with plenty of excitement for the few teams lucky enough to beat the weather. Out of the 17 fixtures scheduled for Saturday, only four survived Mother Nature’s wrath, as waterlogged pitches and relentless rain wreaked havoc on the league. Despite the disruptions, the games that went ahead delivered all the drama and passion you’d expect from the first matches of the year. From late goals to hard-fought battles, it was a wet but wonderful start to the 2025 campaign for those who braved the elements.
Premiership
Burscough Dynamo 3-2 Standish St Wilfrids
It was a thrilling encounter at Burscough as the hosts edged out Standish St Wilfrids in a five-goal spectacle. Joshua Murray and Luke Murray were in scintillating form, both finding the net to set the tone for Dynamo. Super sub Curtis Carberry sealed the victory, ensuring the home crowd went home happy. Standish fought valiantly, with Ross Ellison breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute and James Harrison levelling things in the 38th. Despite their efforts, it was Burscough who triumphed in this action-packed clash.
Division One
Sir Tom Finney 3-2 Leyland RAFA
The drama at Sir Tom Finney FC was nothing short of blockbuster material. The home side raced to an early lead with Jonathan Ssekiziyiyu striking in the 10th minute and Michael Rogers doubling it by the 20th. Leyland RAFA refused to go down quietly, with Harry Billingsley pulling one back. The tension rose as sub Nathaniel Colwell leveled the score, setting up a nail-biting finish. But Adiran Barbu had the final say, smashing in the winner in the 81st minute to secure all three points for the hosts.
Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves 2-2 Cherrybrook
A mystery wrapped in an enigma! This Division One clash saw goals flying in, but with no teamsheet and no documented scorers, the finer details remain shrouded in secrecy. What we do know is that both sides left the field with honors even, sharing the spoils in an intriguing 2-2 draw.
Division Two
AFC Ainsdale Reserves 0-1 Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves
The clash between AFC Ainsdale Reserves and Middleton & Overton Sports Reserves proved to be a game of fine margins, with the visitors eking out a narrow 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came early, as Elliot Mooring latched onto a well-timed pass in the 16th minute to slot home the only goal of the game. Ainsdale Reserves pushed hard to find an equalizer, but Middleton’s defense stood firm, showcasing their resilience against wave after wave of attacks.
Middleton’s bench played a pivotal role in their success, with a string of substitutions maintaining their intensity and focus. Key tactical changes, including the introductions of Jake Dwyer and Luke Armstrong before halftime, ensured fresh legs kept the hosts at bay. Despite Ainsdale’s spirited effort and the soggy conditions, Middleton held their nerve to claim all three points and start their 2025 campaign on a winning note.