Carlsberg West Cheshire League round-up with Ernie MacDonald

RUNAWAY Division One leaders Cammell Laird Reserves are slowly coming back to the field and their lead has been cut to just four points after losing 3-2, on Saturday, to nearest rivals Heswall.

Ironically, it was former Laird players Kieran Fleetwood and Gary Reay who capitalised on poor defending to sentence Laird to their first defeat of the season.

Reay opened the scoring and a Fleetwood double saw Heswall go in at the interval 3-0 up. Laird's consolations were scored by Alex Bishop and Paul Tosney.

The result opened the door for reigning champions Newton, who took closer order after doubles from Paul Ryder and John McCain secured a 4-0 victory at West Kirby, while 2002 winners Christleton also made up ground, after beating MANWEB 3-2, thanks to goals from Sean Kilgannon, 2, and Russ Whitely.

Despite a superb headed equaliser from Lee Gibson, Mallaby finished second best at fourth placed Poulton Victoria, goals by O'Boyle, Rey and Cooper giving the home side a 3-1 victory.

Goals from Aintree Villa's Chris Taylor and Tommy Carroll were matched by a brace from General Chemicals' Ian Cocks.

In Division Two, Helsby recorded their first win of the season, a Gary Cottiga strike, allied to an own goal, setting up a 2-1 decision over relegation rivals Blacon YC.

Current leaders Mond Rangers had Darren Moore on the mark, but finished 1-1 at FC Pensby, Gareth Owen replying.

The only game to escape the weather in Division Three saw Mersey Royal finish 1-1 with Capenhurst Villa Reserves. Mark Gray and James Fletcher were the respective scorers.

Semi-finalists for the West Cheshire Shield were resolved, and the result of the day belonged to Upton AA Reserves, who pulled the mat from under Willaston, who had won their previous four games. Steve Rowlands netted both goals in a 2-0 win.

West Kirby Reserves (Phil Hudson, 2, James Pinkham and Jay Shaw) beat St Werburgh's 4-2, while two times winners New Brighton Reserves kept the hat-trick dream alive by eliminating old adversaries Grange Athletic. Lee Hayden and Paul Kiernan were responsible for the goals as the Seasiders won 2-1, Robbie Chapman hitting the visitors' consolation.