Neston ease into next round of Vase

Oct 24 2007 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NESTON South Wirral enjoyed a comfortable passage through to the next round of the HA Vase with a 3-1 victory over Prescot.

The home side began well and took the lead through a solo goal from Musti Sheikh as he left several defenders in his wake before executing a perfect reverse stick shot. Neston continued to threaten to extend their lead and remained in control.

Moments after the interval, Matt Earlam added a second goal with powerfully drilled shot into the top corner.

But the visitors hit back to halve the deficit after a short corner goal following a spell of pressure.

Neston killed off Prescot’s hopes of a comeback though, as good work between Garrett and Cookson down the right allowed Andrew Jarratt to score the decisive goal at the back post from Cookson’s measured cross.

On Saturday, Neston were defeated by a last minute winner against Preston II 2-1 with Lawrence McNeight scoring.

Meanwhile, Oxton returned to form in the Northern Premier League with a comfortable 3-1 away win over high-flyers Bowdon thanks to goals from Gordon Moore, Sion Owen and Richard Sutton.

Bowdon opened the scoring with barely three minutes on the clock following a mistake in Oxton's defence. Sutton won a penalty corner after 17 minutes and Moore finished off a slick move to level the scores.

Oxton continued to press and took the lead 10 minutes later, when Owen scored form close range.

Eight minutes into the second half, Moore fired the ball into Sutton who was on hand to deflect the ball into the top corner. They comfortably closed the game out in the final stage to seal the win.

Oxton then welcomed National Premier League side Havant in the third round of the HA Cup last Sunday

Sadly though, Havant ran out comfortable winners, as Oxton’s participation in the national cup ended for another season.

Oxton’s attentions turn back to the Northern Premier League when they entertain Manchester this Saturday at Townfield Lane, 2pm start.