Cheshire Cup 3rd round

Whitby Rangers journeyed to face Romiley FC (Stockport District Sunday League) in a thrilling Cheshire Cup 3rd round encounter, with both teams delivering an action-packed spectacle. Romiley struck first, igniting their vocal home crowd, but Whitby’s Aiden Hill responded in style, curling a 25-yard effort into the top corner in the 30th minute to level the score.

The second half continued at a blistering pace, with end-to-end action and fierce challenges flying in. Ten minutes after the restart, Romiley reclaimed the lead under controversial circumstances. Whitby’s defence appealed for offside, but the assistant referee kept the flag down, allowing Romiley to pull ahead again.

Whitby showed resilience, levelling once more after Tom Ruffer’s free kick was parried onto the crossbar before bouncing over the line to make it 2-2. With 15 minutes left, both sides pushed hard for a winner, creating chances but failing to find the decisive goal.

The match headed to penalties. Both teams converted with precision, but Romiley ultimately emerged victorious, clinching a 7-6 shootout win. Despite the result, Whitby left with heads held high after a courageous performance in a gripping contest.

Bushell Athletic had Leon Jones in fine form but his double wasn’t enough to secure the win in 90 minutes, as Andy Rogers and Rob Cottrell struck for the home side, taking the match to a 2-2 draw at full-time. Bushell kept their cool in the shootout, ultimately claiming a 5-3 victory.

Queens Park also had a successful outing, traveling to AFC Carnforth and grinding out a good 2-1 win with goals from Tom Randall and Jamie Leyland. Meanwhile, Rock Ferry’s recent scoring streak came to an end, this time only managing a single goal from Rory Aldi against Dock, who proved dominant with a 4-1 victory. Dock’s Connor Courtnell, Jay Harvey, Jack Kelly, and Jamie Eaton each found the back of the net.

Returning from a free week, Beechwood faced a tough encounter against 2022-23 winners, Lancelyn. Beechwood netted through an own goal, but Jack Lloyd replied for Lancelyn, taking the game to yet another penalty shootout. Beechwood held their composure and sealed a 4-2 win, securing their place in the next round.

The quarter-final draw has been set. Dock will host Whitby’s conquerors, Romiley FC, in what’s sure to be an interesting clash on home turf. Queens Park face a tough challenge with an away tie against George & Dragon, while Beechwood are also on the road as they head to AFC Stockport. Meanwhile, Bushell’s reward for advancing is a home fixture against Queens Bedbury.

Premier Division

Woodchurch moved up to fifth place in the Premier Division with a hard-fought victory over Cheshire Cheese. In a tight contest with limited chances, it was Josh Hulmeston who provided the breakthrough. Following some brilliant build-up play, Hulmeston connected with a pinpoint cross to hammer home the game’s only goal, clinching all three points for Woodchurch.

KRCT Bidston, meanwhile, enjoyed a commanding 4-1 victory over a resilient Great Float. Dega Taylor led the charge with a well-taken brace, while Charlie Holland and Joey Dulson added to the scoreline.

Division Two

In the only Division Two match of the weekend, Saughall FC surged up to third place with a dominant performance, putting six past Catons FC. Dylan Sandison and Owen Kelsey each bagged a brace, while Andy Noonan and Kyle Weir-Siggins also found the net in a commanding display.

Division Three

In Division Three, Athletic VH extended their lead at the top to six points with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over AFC Raeburn. A double from Lewis McKeown and a strike from Ross Meadows offset a brace by Raeburn’s Jack Hoijord.

Elsewhere, Parkgate St Germain cruised to a 6-0 win over Farmer’s Arms. Will Shuka and Ben Swift both scored twice, with Luke Hall and Ieuan Hughes also adding their names to the scoresheet in a dominant display.

David Tacy Cup Round 3

The third round of the David Tacy Cup took centre stage in this weekend's fixtures, with some impressive performances across the board.

Lions FC bounced back to form with a much-needed 5-1 victory over AFC Tima. Paul Ryan stole the spotlight, scoring twice, while Dan Chamney, Matty Kerr, and Sam Langan also found the net for the Lions. Tima’s only response came from Tom Hunt, who scored their consolation goal.

Barkers Sheridan's triumphed 4-0 over Wirral Radio, with Jay Weird bagging a brace. Dom Thomas and Leon Bowers also got on the scoresheet in a dominant display.

Feeney’s secured their place in the next round with a commanding 5-0 win over Fender Youth. Mitch Francis led the charge with a brace, while Max Carvel, Ben Mustafa, and Gregg Beck also contributed goals.

Fender FC were the day’s top scorers, delivering a 13-2 demolition of West Kirby Wasps. Ellis Byrne starred with four goals, Ben Morris added a hat-trick, and Leighton Clarke, Morgan Gaylor, and George Craven each bagged a brace. Tom Murray and Kieran Jones found the net for the Wasps.

Glenavon Athletic fought valiantly against Eagle & Stirrup but were ultimately undone, losing 2-1. Despite a goal from Brandon Scott, Glenavon couldn’t hold off Eagle & Stirrup, who were propelled by strikes from Jake Byrne and Jack Gibson.

AFC Rangers put up a valiant effort against an in-form Higher Bebington Kelma, but it was Kelma who emerged victorious with a 3-1 win to progress to the next round. Liam Grealis maintained his excellent form with a goal, supported by strikes from Corey Wilson and Leon Halligan. Mark Fitzpatrick found the net for AFC Rangers in reply.

Poulton Athletic put up a determined fight against Eastham Rangers, but despite a goal from Jack Gordan, they were defeated 4-1. Kieran Hodgson, Martin Marshall, and Harry Huggins all scored for Eastham, while an own goal added to Poulton’s woes.

In a tightly contested match, MSC Eastham triumphed over West Kirby United with a 3-2 win. Natas Asmonas, Jack Hughes, and Jamie Duckers all scored for MSC Eastham, while Tom Fleming and Luke Austin replied for West Kirby in a closely fought encounter.

Rig Move secured a commanding 4-0 win over Upton Town, with goals from Jacob Pirie, Simon Thelwell, Liam Brennan, and Steven Rowlands ensuring a comfortable victory.

Division Two leaders, Oxton Celtic, edged past Upton Willows with a hard-fought 1-0 win, thanks to a solitary strike from Harry Sutton.

Corsair emerged victorious 2-0 against Woodchurch Rovers, with Sam Saunders and Kieran Cartwright both finding the net to seal the win.