BAD WEATHER made its first major impact on the Carlsberg West Cheshire League when Saturday’s programme was reduced to just nine games.
Seeking to finish one place higher than last season’s runners up spot Maghull travelled to Chester where they found determined opposition in a Christleton outfit lingering in the lower reaches of the table.
After a hard fought 90 minutes the visitors were able to return home with all three points and were indebted to Brad Smart for scoring the only goal of the contest.
The result lifts Maghull to the top of the table where they hold a one point advantage over Ashville who have played a game fewer.
Newly promoted Mossley Hill Athletic are making a commendable showing in their first season in Division One and on Saturday they enjoyed a comprehensive 4-1 home victory over lowly Upton AA.
The prolific Yusef Malik was again on target and was joined on the score sheet by Barry Coventry, James Halligan and Nikolas Christofis while John Farrell netted a consolation for Upton who remain one point better off than the four teams below them.
Hale enhanced their promotion prospects from Division Two with a narrow 2-1 success at Runcorn Linnets Reserves. The visitors had Hayden Carson and Brad Williams to thank for their total while Nigel Johnson responded for Linnets.
Hale have ambitious plans for improving their facilities and now lie in second spot some six points behind Beb Athletic but with four games in hand. New Brighton will consider their 1-1 draw at Maghull Reserves as two points dropped in their own quest for top flight football.
Paul Lindfield was the man on the mark for the Seasiders with Steve Carroll netting for Maghull. Nathan Jones was the hero for West Kirby Reserves as his first-half strike was enough for his side to claim maximum reward from their encounter with visiting Bronze Social.
Kirby also failed to convert a penalty in the opening period but the win lifts them out of the bottom two.
Having switched from the Liverpool County Premier League arena South Liverpool are making a strong bid to gain immediate promotion from Division Three and this was boosted at the weekend by their 5-0 defeat of hosts New Brighton Reserves.
Early chances were spurned by both sides before the league leaders took a 15th minute lead which was doubled soon after the break.
Three more goals in the final 12 minutes completed the victory with Neil Fisher (3) and Ged Forde (2) sharing the honours.
Chester Nomads Reserves are also having their first taste of West Cheshire football and remain in fifth place following their 1-1 draw with Manor Athletic Reserves.
Nicky Carroll was the home marksman while Kyle Smith was on target for Manor.
Two of the Complete Focus Shield second round ties went ahead with Belfry and Upton AA Reserves each progressing to the semi finals.
Danny Hart and Liam Langley were the Belfry stars as they found the net in the 2-1 success at Hale Reserves who had Spencer Douglas registering. Upton won through after overcoming visitors Ellesmere Port Reserves 2-0 with Patrick Walsh and Ryan Farrell netting the all important goals.
Belfry now visit the winners of Merseyside Police and Helsby at the last 4 stage while Upton will travel to either Beb Athletic Reserves or Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves.
Saturday’s postponed Shield ties have been rescheduled for Saturday January 7.
