All the action from the Birkenhead & Wirral AFL Sponsors Cup first round, first leg

Nov 3 2010 by Nick Moreton, Birkenhead News

THE Bird finished 4-3 victors against second division Bronze Social in a close cup encounter.

Lee Pickles hit the first via the spot and went on to grab the winner, with Kyle Williams and Micky McCann also on target for The Bird but The Bronze will feel they are still in with a chance come the second leg.

In the Sponsors Cup, Ridgewood Rangers went down 5-1 to first division opponents McGinty’s, who had Nathan Harding in form, bagging a hat-trick. Ralph Welch hit a superb strike on goal, backed up by Kareem Desmond. Alan Whelan guided in a well taken free kick for Rangers.

Birkenhead FC go menacingly into joint top spot in the First Division with McGinty’s after demolishing Fender 8-2 at home. Ian Lochran and forward partner Jamie Edwards both hit trebles with Ricky Neill and Dennis Baker adding to the rout. Substitute Steven Lowry grabbed both of Fender’s finishes.

Claughton Hotel goalkeeper and man of the match Andy McCrudden couldn’t contain Myrtle AFC, going down in a 3-1 tussle. Adam Maizer, Liam Casey and Vinny O’Toole scored for The Myrtle. Dave Bowe netted with pinpoint accuracy from 20 yards out for The Claughton.

In division two, AFC Stadium overcame FC Wirral with a 3-1 win to remain second from top in the league.

Carl Aldred steered in a header, followed by a 20 yard volley for Liam Blackwood, and John Jackson got the remaining goal.Jake Painter was once again on song for Wirral.

Leaders Bromborough Rake made light of a deserved 4-1 victory away to Parkfield BA.

Ben Windle claimed a double and player/manager Danny Wilson caught the keeper off his line from just inside the half way line, while Kearon Delaney also got his name on the score sheet. Top scorer Jason Flahery hit an unstoppable penalty for Parkfield.

LEE DODD