Houlihan's Press Report 13 April 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Athletic VH have been in control at the top of The 97 Division 3 for much of the season, with Glenavon Athletic hot on their heels in second place.

Image: Glenavon after winning the Jimmy Core Trophy

Barring a dramatic turn of events, the league title now appears set to go to Athletic VH, However, Glenavon claimed Cup glory defeating their league rivals last Thursday evening, lifting the Jimmy Core Memorial Trophy after a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Goals from Paul Keenan and captain Mike Roberts—who was named Man of the Match—secured the win for Phil Ainscough’s side. Cameron Meadows scored Athletic’s consolation goal.

The Veronica Conway Cup Final delivered an exciting start as underdogs Lancelyn stunned favourites Beechwood by taking the lead in the very first minute—Callum France rising highest to head home from a corner.

That early goal ultimately proved the difference. Despite a late onslaught from Beechwood and a series of tense goalmouth scrambles, Lancelyn’s defence stood strong to clinch the trophy—marking a second piece of silverware in three years for manager Phil Hayward to add to the Cheshire Cup.

Beechwood will now look to regroup as they prepare for the Tony Houlihan Memorial Trophy Final on Sunday, 11 May, where they will take on Bushell Athletic. They also remain in contention for the Premier Division title but must win all their remaining games and hope Dock falter along the way.

Congratulations to Fender FC who secured the Maxwell Barber Division One title and promotion to the Premier Division following a narrow 1-0 victory over rivals Whitby Rangers. A first-half penalty from Billy Rainbow proved enough to seal the win and crown a fantastic season for the club.

Jamie Edwards’ side have led the way for much of the campaign and shown impressive consistency in a competitive division featuring strong sides like Whitby and Rig Move. Rainbow has been a standout performer throughout, and Fender can now look forward to mixing it with the top flight next season.

Premier Division action saw Bushell Athletic continue their strong run of form with a solid 2-0 win over Cheshire Cheese. Goals from Ben Evans and Layton Harding sealed the points and kept Bushell ticking over nicely heading into the final stretch.

Wellington also enjoyed a successful outing, easing to a 4-0 victory over KRCT Bidston. Four different players got on the scoresheet—Dill Thomas, Ben Lennon, Lewis Dixon, and Jack Maybury—as Wellington edge towards a respectable mid-table finish.

In Division Two, leaders Oxton Celtic stayed on course for the title with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Woodchurch Rovers. Harry Sutton and Sean Deehan found the net in a game where Celtic had to dig deep. Their title hopes where boosted as nearest challengers Feeneys where held to a goalless draw by Upton Town in a rare stalemate.

Higher Bebington Kelma came out on top in a five-goal thriller, edging Upton Willows 3-2. A brace from Liam Grealis and a strike from Liam Atherton proved enough, despite goals from Jack Walker and Dean Wylde for the visitors.

Saughall FC are still in the race for the title but will need to put together a solid run of results to make it happen. Their push started on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Eastham Rangers. Goals from Tom Ashcroft, Andy Noonan, and Joe Unsworth secured the win, while Harry Huggins scored the only goal for Eastham. The two teams will face off again this Thursday in the Tony Smith Memorial Trophy Final, which will take place at Ashville’s ground, with a 7pm kick-off.

Division 3 action saw AFC Raeburn leapfrog AFC Tima in the table with a commanding 3-0 win. Jack Hoijord bagged a brace and Karl Stinchcomb added a third in a strong all-round performance.

AFC Rangers also enjoyed a solid result, running out 2-0 winners against Parkgate St Germain, thanks to goals from Shaun Anderson and Chris Carress.

Victoria Colts stung West Kirby Wasps as they smashed six goals. Daryl Hellon and Andy McBain both netted doubles, while Ryan Coles and Conor Eagan also got in on the act in a dominant display.

West Kirby United also collected three points, seeing off North Wirral Saints with a confident 3-0 win. Robbie Nairn led the charge with a brace, and Adam Banks added a third to cap off a strong performance.