Weekly Round Up - 13th January 2024

The weekend's Division One football fixtures showcased thrilling encounters and noteworthy victories. In the clash between Cherrybrook and Ribchester Rovers, Cherrybrook emerged victorious with a solid 2-0 win. The goals for Cherrybrook came in the 60th minute courtesy of Martyn Glover and the 80th minute via Matthew Glover. The match was officiated by the experienced referee Gerald Carroll, who ensured a fair and competitive game.
In another exciting fixture, Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves secured a 2-0 triumph against Appley Bridge. Unfortunately, specific goal scorers for S&A were not documented, but their stellar performance was enough to secure a decisive victory. Referee Ethan Fletcher oversaw the proceedings, maintaining the integrity of the game.
Standish St Wilfrids Reserves also had a successful outing, triumphing over Fleetwood Hesketh with a convincing 2-0 win. The goals were netted by James Williamson and Dominic Tonks (Sub), showcasing the team's attacking prowess. The match was officiated by referee Michael Blackledge, ensuring a smooth and well-contested encounter.

These results contribute to the dynamic and competitive landscape of Division One, with teams vying for supremacy and showcasing their skill and determination on the football pitch. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling action and unpredictable outcomes in Division One football.

The Division Two football fixtures over the weekend delivered an abundance of goals, excitement, and notable performances. In a commanding display, Astley FC Reserves secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves. Despite a goalless first half, Astley FC Reserves demonstrated their attacking prowess in the second, with goals from Adam Caunce, Josh Hurst, Ben Turner, and a contribution from substitute Luke Robinson. Broughton's sole scorer was Ciprian Caraghin, and an unfortunate own goal added to their woes. Referee Michael Munnelly managed the match efficiently, overseeing a competitive encounter.

Middleton & Overton Sports FC continued their impressive run with a 3-1 triumph against Shevington FC Reserves. Middleton's scorers included Matthew Thomeson, Jakub Rusakiewicz, and Niall Beresford, showcasing their team's attacking depth. While the scorer for Shevington was not documented, referee Jonathan Selcoe ensured a fair and well-officiated game, allowing both teams to exhibit their skills.
In a thrilling encounter, Wyre Villa Reserves secured their first win of the season with a 4-3 victory over Bickerstaffe Reserves. Wyre Villa's scorers included the impressive Scott Dey, who netted a hat-trick, and Ross Moore. The exact scorers for Bickerstaffe were not documented. Referee Andy Byrne managed the game, contributing to the overall excitement of a match that showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams in Division Two. As the season unfolds, fans can anticipate more thrilling action and unpredictable outcomes in this dynamic division.

The Guildhall Cup's third round unfolded with exciting matchups and standout performances. Cube FC asserted their dominance with a resounding 5-0 victory over Newburgh Harrock Utd, although specific goal scorers for Cube were not documented. Referee Matthew Parkinson officiated the match, ensuring fair play and a well-contested encounter.
Gables FC continued their impressive run in the tournament, securing a 3-1 win against Tarleton Corinthians. Jordan Griffiths, Division Two's leading goal scorer with 19 goals in 13 appearances, added two more goals, while Zac Webbe contributed to the scoreline. Tarleton's scorers remained unnamed. Referee Ben Wilson oversaw the clash, which showcased Gables FC's attacking flair.
In a goal-filled spectacle, Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs triumphed 6-2 over Highgrove FC. The scorers for Highgrove were not provided, but S&A displayed their attacking depth with goals from Thomas Elliot Haworth, Rhys Graham, Rob Langley, Thomas Taylor-Hampson, and substitutes Jake Graham and Connor Tierney. Referee Alan Stuttard managed the game, where offensive prowess took center stage.
Norcross FC secured a 5-2 victory over AFC Ainsdale, with goals from David Cartmell, Matthew Howard, Will Robinson (x2), and Luke Robinson. Ainsdale responded with goals from Connor Jamieson and substitute Benjamin Shelbourne. Referee Phil Howarth ensured a well-officiated contest, witnessing the attacking flair displayed by both teams.
In a closely contested fixture, Standish St Wilfrids emerged victorious with a 3-2 win against Preston Wanderers. Preston's goals came from Daniel Gardner and Lewis Scanlon, while Standish's scorers included Josef Dineley, Johan Du Toit, and the prolific Samir Sobeih. Samir Sobeih, the top goal scorer in the prem with 13 goals in 10 appearances, continued his impressive form. Johan, with 8 goals in 11 appearances, contributed to Standish's success. Referee Michael Bonage maintained order in a game that showcased the determination and skill of both sides.
The weekend's cup drama reached its pinnacle in the Shevington FC vs. Broughton Amateurs encounter. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Broughton ultimately prevailing 5-4 on penalties. Shevington's scorers, Edward Braithwaite and Dave Johnson, contributed to the exciting deadlock. Broughton's goals came from Kevin Cummins and Michael Mathias. Referee Anthony Alty officiated the penalty shootout, adding a layer of tension and drama to an already thrilling Guildhall Cup weekend. As the tournament progresses, football fans eagerly anticipate more electrifying clashes and unpredictable outcomes.

In the Lancastrian Brigade Cup, New Longton Rovers Reserves showcased their prowess with a 4-2 victory over Ribchester Rovers Reserves. Ribchester's scorers, Dominic Brown and Stuart Green, demonstrated resilience, but New Longton emerged victorious with goals from Thomas Bently, Andy Billington, David Alker, and Kyle Carlisle. Referee Mark Fitzpatrick ensured a well-officiated match, with New Longton progressing in the Lancastrian Brigade Cup.

In the Liverpool County Intermediate Cup, ACOL Academy secured a 3-1 victory over Burscough Dynamo, with Callum Gamble finding the net for Burscough. However, Burscough was subsequently ejected from the competition in the 4th round. ACOL Academy showcased their strength, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.

Bickerstaffe AFC dominated in the Liverpool County Junior Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over St Helens Town, securing their progression to the 4th round. The victory solidifies Bickerstaffe's position in the competition as they aim for further success in the Junior Cup.