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

NOT for the first time, two goals by Gary Reay proved vital for Dock, on Sunday, as they overcame Warby 3-1 to reach the second round of the FA National Sunday Cup.

Mick Saunders scored the other goal in what was a magnificent victory for the Houlihan's Birkenhead Sunday League Premier Division club.

Dock were the only one of three Wirral clubs to make it through to the second round.

Gallant AFC Bromborough, though, exited the prestigious competition at the first hurdle, losing 5-4 after extra-time at Hassle Rangers.

Queens Park's national cup dreams are also over for this season. They failed to convert their many chances and bowed out to Hartlepool Supporters, 3-1.

As well as a place in the second round draw, Dock also receive prise money of £125.

In a move highlighting The FA's commitment to the grassroots level of the game, a prize fund of £32,000 has been introduced this season to replace a match grant scheme which covered match expenses.

The FA Sunday Cup Final takes place on Sunday, April 24 at Liverpool FC's Anfield ground. As from next season, it will return to its 'spiritual' home - Wembley Stadium - in 2006.

In the Wirral District Sunday Premier Cup second round, Division One club Woodchurch (Paul Haddock, Phil Huddson) dumped Premier Division high flyers FC Prenton out of the competition with a shock 2-0 triumph.

Heygarth FC's Clint Evans was a hat-trick hero in his club's 5-0 way at Royal Sun Alliance. Wirral Liberals (Gary Richards, Steve Hobbson) made hard work of their 2-1 success over Corsair.

Meanwhile, Archers Social moved up the Premier League table with a 3-2 win at Warwick.

In Division One, goals by Tony Sample and Mark Gaylor enabled Houlihan's Variety Club to beat Hornby/Trafalgar 2-0 - a result that leaves the latter firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.

Rock Ferry Social's climb to mid-table continued, Collin Williams and Mike Phillips scoring in a 2-1 success over St John's Celtic.

In Division Two, Woodside (Ray Cox, 2, Mike Brett, 2, Matty O'Shea and Liam Atherton) moved 10 points clear at the top with a 6-0 win at bottom club Sandbrook. Horse & Jockey are now joint second after a 4-2 win at Prenton (Ben Weldon, Paul Day).

Windmill closed the gap on Division Three leaders Twelfth Man Celtic to just five points after defeating BMS 5-2.