Latest from the West Cheshire League

Jan 27 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

THE Northern Counties Senior Cup got underway with the Cheshire FA, represented by West Kirby, playing host to the Westmoreland FA.

The game had to be switched to West Kirby’s Marine Park owing to the lack of playable pitches in the Lake District for the past two months.

While West Kirby were 3-1 winners, the scoreline does not reflect what was a very closely fought game.

Kendal proved they did not turn out just to make the numbers up and ran for every loose ball and throwing their bodies in front of full-bodied shots whenever needed.

It was to the home side’s credit that this doggedness did not put them off their intent to play good football.

In particular the Deesiders’ wing play through Kevin Bimpson and especially Paul Casey caused the visitors no end of problems with Kendal right-back Ben Haddrick finding himself on his backside on more than one occasion, with Casey running on goal.

A penalty awarded on 30 minutes edged West Kirby in front with captain Lee Gibson slotting home following a clear foul on Bimpson.

Just before half-time, Kendal midfielder Graeme Baker threaded a precision pass to namesake Joe Baker who shot underneath the advancing home keeper, Matty Hogg.

The second half was one-way traffic with Kendal resolutely standing firm under an unending range of crosses and shots.

Substitute, Kieron Fleetwood was disappointed to see a clear chance on goal edge just wide.

Extra time seemed to be beckoning.

Then the simplest of chances fell to centre half, Andy Barker and as he powered the ball home with a close range header, Kendal were undone.

Michael Burke finished off the game just before the whistle.

West Kirby will now play the West Riding FA representative side in the semi-final.

Midweek action saw the Pyke Cup first round tie between Runcorn Town and next-door neighbours Halton finally played after months of postponements.

In a fiercely contested game, Runcorn ran out 1-0 winners with a first half score from Warren Bellew.

Town struggled against the eager visitors so a great deal of interest was given to Saturday’s repeat of the fixture, this time in the League.

Halton edged the contest 1-2 through gaols from Gary Tyrell and Liam Page, gaining some measure of revenge for their cup exit.

Steve Latham scored for Runcorn.

Helsby scored an astonishing nine goals at home to Blacon YC without reply.

A James Bignall hat-trick alongside two each from Samir Bailey and Darren Moore accounted for most of the damage.

Gaz Gerrard and Connor Taylor each chipped in with a goal each.

In the normal view of things it wasn’t a good day for Blacon whose reserve side were swept aside 0-14 at home by Prescot Cables.

Cables Chris McCann was the toast of Prescot claiming no less than seven goals, with Sam Gifford only getting four.

Paul Cliff, Rob Hughes and Tom Kinsella each claimed singles.

Notwithstanding these setbacks, Blacon will continue to put out teams to play football at all levels, thus providing a game for many men, boys and girls from the area.

They are to be congratulated for their efforts.

January 19 result:

Pyke Cup 1st round: Runcorn Town 1 Halton 0.

January 23 results:

Northern Counties Senior Cup: Cheshire FA (West Kirby) 3 Westmoreland FA (Kendal County) 1.

Division One: Christleton 2 Marine 3; Helsby 9 Blacon YC 0; Newton 2 Upton AA 1; Runcorn Town 1 Halton 2.

Division Two: Grange Athletic 0 New Brighton 3; Mallaby 0 Mossley Hill Athletic 4; Southport Trinity 3 Bronze Social 0.

Division Three: Blacon YC 0 Prescot Cables 14; Capenhurst Villa 1 Christleton 6; Manor Athletic 3 Ellesmere Port 2; Mersey Royal 2 Mossley Hill Athletic 3; Richmond Raith Rovers 1 Runcorn Town 2; St Werburgh’s 3 Southport Trinity 1; Upton AA 0 Ashville 3.

Haworth & Gallagher Bowl 2nd round: Ashville 2 Maghull 2; Chester Nomads 5 West Kirby 4; Marshalls 5 Capenhurst Villa 0.

Youth Division: AFC Liverpool 0 Hale 2; Belfry 6 Marshalls 1; Maghull 1 AFC Bebington 0; Mersey Royal 2 Cammell Laird 2; Widnes Town 5 Sao Paulo 1.