Houlihan's Press Report 18 August 2024

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up, 18 August 2024

Premier Division: The Houlihan’s Birkenhead Sunday League kicked off the 2024-25 season on Sunday and in the “Ryan Gigsy Atherton & Mike Purnell” Premier Division, Queens Park kicked off their defence of the trophy with a home game against Wellington FC.

But it was the Welly who shocked the champions by securing a hard fought 1-0 win thanks to a Dave Adams effort.

Last Season’s Cheshire Cup winners, Rock Ferry Social, travelled to The Glen to take on Lancelyn FC and it was “Degsy Wards” men who came away with the points as they raced into an early two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Connor Doyle and Ben Ryan. Further efforts from Josh Dunroe and Euan Phillips secured the points for The Rock. Lloyd Winkle netted Lancelyns consolation goal.

Beechwood FC, who have had a year out, returned to action and secured a superb 1-0 win against local rivals Woodchurch FC. Joe Ly was the goal hero to get the Beechwood’s season off to a flyer.

In the Wallasey derby, it was Cheshire Cheese who prevailed against The Great Float with a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Connor Edwards and Nick Lynch, whilst Josh Abbot replied for the Float.

Last season’s Division One champions, Bushell Athletic, had Leon Jones in fine form as he netted a hat-trick to go along with a Jacob McLoughlin goal and with ten minutes remaining led 4-3.

However, KRCT FC Bidston recovered to win a blockbuster 5-4 as the Biddy struck back with their goals coming via a Joe Dulson double and singles from Dega Taylor, Matty McGuire, and Lewis Clarke.

Division One: In Maxwell’s Barber Division One, Whitby FC showcased their title aspirations by demolishing Eagle & Stirrup 7-1. Tom Ruffer and Dom Hoppe both netted doubles, whilst Sam Cooper and Leo Young each got singles. Jack Gibson netted for Eagle & Stirrup.

An Ashley Power double was supplemented by an Ellis Byrne strike as Fender FC got off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory away at Corsair as Fender ran out 3-0 winners.

Lions FC and AFC Saughall shared a point each with the game ending 2-2. Craig Horton and Hatim Aljamal netted for the Lions whilst Ben Evans and Alfie Owens replied for Saughall.

Shaftesbury FC had Callum Elliot to thank as his goal was enough to take the points away at Neston Nomads.

Division Two: It was goals galore in the Martin Gallier Project Division Two with every team netting and twenty-one goals scored across just four games. The highest scoring game went the way of Feeneys FC who defeated Catons FC in an eight-goal thriller. Adam Walker helped himself to a hat-trick with Nathan Lewis and Max Carvell both notching singles for Feeneys whilst Catons replied with a Danny Allen brace and a Declan Wray single.

Poulton Victoria S&S defeated Eastham Rangers by the odd goal in five thanks to a Jack Gordon double and a single from the ever-Green David Favager. Eastham’s marksmen came from Jack Roberts and Kieran Hodgson.

Saughall FC had Andy Noonan in fine form as he bagged an opening day hat-trick to go along with efforts from Owen Wharton and Joe Unsworth as Saughall accounted for Upton Willows 5-1. Blake Rowlands netted Upton’s consolation goal.

Dom Thomas was on target for Barkers Sheridan’s FC (pictured) but that was not enough, as Oxton Celtic struck back as both teams had to settle for a point each.

Division Three: In the 97 Division Three, AFC Raeburn were the biggest scorers of the day as they hit West Kirby Wasps for eight without reply. Andy Cooke and Dan Piggott both bagged doubles with Josh Morgan, Tom Massey, Danny Wharton, and Jack Hoijord all grabbing singles.

AFC Rangers had Chris Carress and Luis Shirley on target as they defeated West Kirby United 2-1.

In a close contest, Athletic VH had Jack Gerrard, Ross Meadows, and Cam Meadows all on target as they beat Victoria Colts by the odd goal in five. Ryan Coles and Daryl Hellon scored Colt’s consolation goals.

Parkgate St Germain got off to a great start as they hammered Farmers Arms FC 7-1. John Gibson hit a double with Ben Swift, Matt Lightfoot, Adam Matthews, Will Shuker, and Niall Davidson all netting. Rhys Westen was Farmers’ scorer.

Paul Keenan was another hat-trick hero, as Glenavon Athletic defeated Fender Youth 6-3. Fraser Simpson, George Wild, and Alex Weston also netted for Glenavon. Tima had U Jalo on target in a narrow 1-0 victory away at MSC Eastham.