DIVISION One had a shortened fixture list due to second round ties in the Wirral District FA Senior Cup.

There were no surprises at Villa Park as Ashville eased past Willaston 2-0, while great credit went to Cammell Laird Reserves who pushed hosts Maghull all the way before finally succumbing 2-1.

New Brighton won a hard fought encounter 3-1 when they entertained Manor Athletic, and the final tie saw a convincing 3-1 away win for Heswall at Vauxhall Motors’ Rivacre Park.

In Division One the game that caught the eye was the local derby at Millcroft where Newton hosted near-neighbours West Kirby in a game that finished 2-2.

Mossley Hill Athletic continued their impressive debut season in the top tier with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Ellesmere Port. Marshalls, equally well placed in the league, saw of the challenge of Southport Trinity by three goals to one, but scoring achievement of the day went to Chester Nomads’ Kieron Smith who claimed a hat-trick in Nomads’ convincing 3-1 home win over Marine Reserves.

In the game of the day in Division Two, table topping AFC Bebington Athletic secured a home win over second placed Ashville Reserves, 2-1, to stretch their lead at the top to eight points.

Notwithstanding that they have played three games more than the visitors, the Latics will have high hopes of reaching Division One next season.