DOUBLES from Mark Braid and Chris Brady, allied to an Alan Clare effort, had the followers of Wirral Sunday League Premier Division leaders Cat purring with delight, after seeing their side dismiss the challenge of rivals, Phoenix, to go three points clear at the top of the table.

The final score line was 5-3, Paul Ellison, Carl Gorman and Steve Minnis replying for the visitors (writes Rob James).

Brothers Darren and Lee McGuiness were Salisbury Stiles' heroes in a tight 2-1 victory over second placed FKA Farmers, and a two-goal blast from Dean Corris inspired the improving Lancelyn to a 3-1 result over ADS Graphics.

It was full steam ahead also for Ship, who savoured a 5-0 decision over luckless Allport. Davie Favager, 2, Lee Howson, Mike Vernon and Carl Horstman were the marksmen.

Such is the strength of competition at the bottom end of Division One that ESWA moved up five places despite only drawing 2-2 with Wirral Athletic. Stuey Andrews and Wynne Taylor netted for the home side, Mike Wood getting both goals for Athletic.

Leaders Towers had too much in the tank for Halfway House and are now four points ahead following Sunday's 4-1 win.

Gladstone Social, bottom of Division Two and still without a point to their name, thought their ship had come in, after efforts from Jamie Rainford, 2, and Dave Day saw them go in 3-0 up at the interval against unbeaten leaders Parkgate. Two penalties from Karl Dunbar then sparked a revival, however, as the leaders rallied to win 4-3.