The West Cheshire League kicked off with some cracking cup ties

Aug 19 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

THE West Cheshire League programme got off to a cracking start with the annual Bill Weight Memorial Cup semi-final ties.

The first match saw Division One new boys Helsby entertain Pyke Cup holders Newton. The game turned out to be a pulsating affair with little separating the two sides. Helsby can count themselves unlucky to lose to a last minute tap-in by Newton’s Lee Kissock.

Conquerors of all they survey, West Kirby, were brought smartly back to earth when Division Three champions FC Pensby took a 1-0 lead into the interval courtesy of Aaron Doyle. No doubt some stern words were spoken at half-time as West Kirby took control of the second half. The first goal would not have been out of place on ‘Match Of The Day’ as Terry Cotgrave scored the first of his brace following a smart four-pass attack. Chay Dysat scored the Marine Park side’s third. The final will take place at Villa Park, home of Ashville, on September 8 (kick-off 7pm).

The first game in Division One saw Castrol Social host Blacon Youth Club. The game started woefully for Blacon as their keeper swung his foot at a back pass and missed the ball, which trundled on into the net. In a hard-fought, feisty encounter, Castrol eventually ran out 3-0 winners with further goals from Tom Bowlen and Phil Jones.

The match of the weekend for most neutrals saw Runcorn Town take on West Kirby at their Pavilions ground. Although it finished 0-0, this was no bore draw with both sides contributing to an entertaining affair.

Meanwhile, next door, Halton took the honours with a 3-1 defeat of Christleton. Mike Smith, Craig Ireland and Andrew Dunning were on target for Halton, with Daniel Davies scoring what proved to be Christleton’s consolation.

Following an excellent 2008-09 campaign, Upton AA will be looking to push forward and win the Division One title.

However, their ambitions took a pounding at the hands of Marine, who ran out 4-1 winners. A brace for Liam Rushton and efforts from Ben Helme and Paul Walsh did the damage. Carl Bishop netted for Upton.

However the plaudits from the first round of Division One matches go to Newton, who took apart Ellesmere Port at their Millcroft home. Dan Brookes, Keith Gray and two from Neil Miles gave Newton a 4-0 win.

In other Division One encounters, Heswall and Willaston ended goalless, an Owen goal gave Cammell Laird a 1-0 win at Maghull while Lunt and McDonald each netted twice as Helsby beat Vauxhall Motors 4-2, Fitzsimmons and Burke on target for Motors.

Division One: Halton 3 Christleton 1; Heswall 0 Willaston 0; Maghull 0 Cammell Laird Res 1; Marine Res 4 Upton A.A. 1; Newton 4 Ellesmere Port 0; Runcorn Town 0 West Kirby 0; Vauxhall Motors Res 2 Helsby 4. Division Two: AFC Bebington 0 Ashville 1; Bronze Social 2 New Brighton 3; Chester Nomads 0 Marshalls 1; FC Pensby 2 Heswall Res 1; Grange Athletic 3 Mossley Hill Athletic 6; Southport Trinity 5 Capenhurst Villa 1; West Kirby Res 2 Mallaby 0. Division Three: Ashville Res 3 St Werburghs 0; Capenhurst Villa Res 1 Southport Trinity Res 4; Ellesmere Port Res 1 Mersey Royal 0; Hale 8 Blacon Youth Club Res 1; Upton AA Res 1 Prescot Cables 2. Youth Division: Widnes Town 1 Cammell Laird 3.

ALLEN PRICE