Houlihan's Press Report 16 March 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

The Ryan “Giggsy” Atherton Premier Division title race was blown wide open on Sunday as Beechwood secured all three points against rivals Dock AFC.

Having already beaten Dock twice this season, Beechwood made it three wins from three on Sunday—but only just. Beechwood stopper Jamie Kelly saved a first-half penalty to keep the score level at 0-0, and with the game in the balance heading into the final moments, a Joe Ly pass found Jack McGrotty (pictured), who held off a challenge to poke the ball under the onrushing keeper for the all-important goal, sealing a 1-0 victory much to the delight of the Beechwood line.

The league table now has both Dock and Beechwood on 33 points after 13 games, though Dock hold a superior goal difference of +11, which Beechwood will need to reduce in what promises to be an exciting run-in.

Woodchurch Hotel secured a 6-3 win against Lancelyn, with Ben Holmes leading the way with a brace. Danny Holmes, Jordan Gibbo, Josh Hulmston, and Jay Scarisbrick also got on the scoresheet. For Lancelyn, Danny Dixon netted twice, while Luke Camden added another.

In Division One, Fender moved four points clear of Whitby Rangers after edging Shaftesbury AFC by the odd goal in seven. Shaftesbury had Finn Onwuemene and Bailey Onwuemene both on target, along with an unfortunate own goal scored by Fender. However, Fender’s goal machine Billy Rainbow struck twice, Ash Power also netted, and George Craven bagged a dramatic last-minute winner to seal the points.

Meanwhile, Eagle & Stirrup secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Corsair thanks to a Jason Bull effort.

Oxton Celtic regained top spot in Division Two courtesy of goals from Carl Hamm and Sean Deehan in a 2-0 win against Poulton Victoria S&S, opening an eight-point gap between themselves and third-placed Poulton.

Second-placed Feeney’s dropped two points in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Saughall FC. Dylan Sandison, Ciaran Atkinson, and Alex Westhead all scored for Saughall, but Feeney’s responded with goals from Mark Rand, Mitch Francis, and Jack Watson.

In the battle for Upton supremacy, Upton Town took the honours with a 3-1 victory over Upton Willows. Liam Healy, Luke Dixon, and Stuart Hardman found the net for Upton Town, while Brad Tommo scored Willows’ consolation goal.

Eastham Rangers turned Wirral Radio’s volume down with a 3-2 victory. Jamie Galloway led the way with a brace, while Kieran Hodgson also netted. Radio’s goals came from Ash McCoy and Matt Lydiate.

With Division Three Leaders Athletic VH having a free week, Glenavon Athletic secured a vital three points to close the gap to just 6-points, with two games in hand. The goal difference was also reduced thanks to a 4-0 win against Parkgate St Germain, George Wild led the way for Glenavon with a brace, while Paul Keenan and Josh Stocker also scored.

AFC Raeburn, sitting fourth, defeated MSC Eastham 3-0 thanks to goals from Jack Hoijord, Andy Cook, and an unfortunate own goal.

At the other end, Farmers Arms, despite a goal from Dom Quirk, suffered a 4-1 defeat against West Kirby Wasps, with Ben Moffat, Toby Murray, Elliott Dunbavin, and Tom Roberts all scoring for Wasps.

Finally, AFC Rangers saw Shaun Anderson emerge as a two-goal hero as they claimed all three points with a 2-1 victory over AFC Tima, who replied through Mike Redgrift.