Weekly Round Up - 4th November 2023

The standout fixture of the week featured Astley FC Reserves and AFC Ainsdale, while captivating images from the Broughton Amateurs AFC v Cherrybrook match, skillfully captured by Donna Artis Photography, added a visual dimension to the weekend's football action.

This top of the table clash between two of the top four sides saw an entertaining 6 goal thriller at the Westway Sports Hub.

Astley scored early on in the first half from a corner but Ainsdale fought back with an equaliser to make it 1-1 at half time.

Ainsdale took the lead early in the second half with an excellent strike from the left hand side of the penalty area into the bottom corner. Astley came back strongly with a superb headed equaliser from close range. Astley went into the lead from a penalty after a foul by the goalkeeper who almost made amends when he got a hand to the ball but it had too much power. In the closing minutes Astley got their fourth with another close range header.

A very strong second half performance from Astley after Ainsdale had dominated the first half saw Astley move up to second place in Division 2. Astley’s goals from Callum Hall (2) , Lewis Sumner and Adam Henshall.

Premiership

The weather took center stage in the Premiership this weekend, with all five scheduled matches postponed due to waterlogged pitches. Bickerstaffe, Shevington FC, Preston Wanderers, Highgrove, Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs, Newburgh Harrock, Standish St Wilfrid's, Eccleston & Heskin, Walmer Bridge, and Tarleton Corinthians will have to wait for their matches to be rescheduled.

Division One

In the Division One clash, Broughton Amateurs AFC faced off against Cherrybrook, with the former emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Liam Bell was the star of the day, netting both of Broughton's goals. Lewis Barlow scored Cherrybrook's lone goal and received a yellow card in the 30th minute, later being subbed off in the 65th minute.

Unfortunately, the game between Norcross FC and Standish St Wilfrid's Reserves was also postponed, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their next chance to watch these teams in action.

Division Two

The match between Broughton Amateurs AFC Reserves and Bickerstaffe Reserves was postponed, leaving fans disappointed yet again.

New Longton Rovers Reserves managed to secure a 4-2 victory over Shevington FC Reserves. The scorers for New Longton remain unnamed, but Kieran Craven and Frankie McConville found the net for Shevington. This result allowed New Longton to move up one place in the table, level on points with AFC Ainsdale but with a five-goal superior goal difference. Shevington FC Reserves maintained their comfortable mid-table position.

Slyne with Hest Reserves took on Ribchester Rovers Reserves, with the latter coming from behind to win 6-2. Ribchester's scorers included Ben Bristo, Jamie Hunt (x2), Callum Mullan, and substitutes Stirling Winder and Andy Stott. This victory enabled Ribchester Rovers Reserves to jump ahead of Slyne in the table after securing their first win.

Guildhall Cup - Round 1

The Guildhall Cup Round 1 matches had their share of postponements as well. Appley Bridge versus Hoole United was postponed but rescheduled for November 11th, keeping fans in suspense.

In a gripping showdown, Burscough Dynamo went head-to-head with Astley FC in a goal-laden spectacle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The final score of 6-4 in favor of Burscough Dynamo encapsulated the thrilling and intense nature of the match. Burscough's dynamic duo, Lewis Corke and Robert Hill, both showcased their goal-scoring prowess, each netting impressive hattricks to lead their team to victory. Astley FC, however, refused to be outdone, with Luke Robinson matching Burscough's goal-scoring prowess with a hattrick of his own, while Connor Geddes contributed another goal. This fixture was a testament to the competitive spirit and offensive excitement that the Guildhall Cup promises, leaving fans treated to an unforgettable display of footballing prowess.

Middleton & Overton Sports FC faced Fleetwood Hesketh, but their match was also postponed, with a rescheduled date of November 11th.

Wyre Villa Reserves encountered Sir Tom Finney FC, who emerged victorious with a 6-1 scoreline. James Lawrenson scored the lone goal for Wyre Villa, while Sir Tom Finney's goals were netted by Michael Jukka, Andrew O'Donnell, Joshua Omotoyinbo (x2), Zechariah Smith, and substitute Adrian Barbu, who also received a yellow card.

Teams that suffered defeat in this round will have a chance at redemption in the Lancastrian Brigade Cup.