Houlihan's Birkenhead Sunday League round-up with Grahame Sutherland

JOHN Bishop grabbed a magnificent five goals as Houlihan's Variety Club trounced Argyle 15-0 in Memorial Challenge Cup first round tie. Chris Jones chipped in with a hat-trick.

Third Division Wirral Liberals also pulled off a cup shock as they held Division One club Rangers Breaks to a 2-2 result after extra-time - only to lose 8-7 in the penalty shoot-out.

Chris Mathews' two goals could not save his club Parkside as they crashed out 5-3 at home to arch rivals and bottom club Hornby/Trafalgar and Young Lions were badly mauled by Stirrup Sports & Social's Carl Maughn, who hit five goals in a 6-0 victory. Jason Allcroft was also on target.

Nova (Jamie Brown, 2, Craig Cole) had a hard 90 minutes before defeating Division Four opponents Saddle Club, Bushell Athletic (John Carter, John O'Donnell, Paul Johnstone) had a 3-2 victory over Division Two side Tranmere Vics and there was a cup shock for St John's Celtic, who lost 3-1 to Pacific AFC (Adam Mill, 2, Kevin Mearns).

In the Premier Division, Dock FC's unbeaten record continues after a comfortable 3-0 win over FC Beehive. Mick Saunders, Mike McGra, Dave Mays scored the goals that see Dock still setting the pace at the top of the table.

Brow (Lee Furlong, 2, Shaun Keevey, Owen Hassle) move into third position after a 4-0 success over Shaftesbury 02.

In Division Three, Saughall (Dan Brett, Paul Elliott) gained three valuable points in a 2-1 win at Corsair and move closer to league leaders Twelfth Man Celtic, Windmill and The Archers.

In Division Four, St Mary's Cricket Club's revival continues, Ian Corr, 2, Steve McGinty, 2, Elliot Robinson, Brian Vansen and Paul Ratchford scoring in the 7-0 defeat of Sure Start Central.

Wirral District FA Under-18 have reached the final of the Cheshire FA Youth Cup, after gaining a 1-1 draw at Chester FA. Matthew Kennedy (Ashville) netted the all-important goal for Wirral.

Our congratulations go to the Wirral FA and to all the players from our league who have represented Wirral this season.