Houlihan's Press Report 20 April 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Congratulations to Saughall FC, who lifted the Houlihan’s Birkenhead Sunday League Tony Smith Memorial Trophy in dramatic fashion last Thursday evening.

Saughall edged Eastham Rangers 2–1 in a tightly contested final. Andy Noonan opened the scoring for Saughall before Nick Evans drew Eastham level, setting up a tense finale. With penalties looming, Noonan stepped up again in the dying moments to bury a 20-yard free kick and clinch the silverware.

Congratulations also go to Ross Waring and everyone involved at Dock AFC, who were crowned Ryan “Gigsy” Atherton & Mike Purnell Premier Division champions following a narrow 1–0 win over Bushell Athletic on Thursday night.

Peter Morgan’s decisive strike secured the title and they’ll now look to complete a league and cup double this Sunday as they take on George and Dragon—leaders of the Crewe Regional Sunday League—in the Cheshire Cup final at Witton Albion FC (2pm kick-off).

On the Same night, Beechwood saw their outside title hopes dashed after a 2–1 defeat to Wellington FC. Morgan Woods netted for Beechwood, but a brace from Dan O’Halloran sealed the win for Welly. Despite a solid return to the Birkenhead Premier Division, recent slip-ups have cost Beechwood. Their attention now shifts to the Tony Houlihan’s Memorial Trophy Final against Bushell Athletic, scheduled for Sunday, 11 May.

On the same night in Division Three, Parkgate St Germain ran out 3–1 winners over West Kirby United, with goals from Alex Butterworth, Adam Matthews, and John Gibson. Ben Banks netted the consolation for West Kirby

On Sunday, Beechwood bounced back from midweek disappointment to thrash KRCT Bidston 6–0. Rob Cull starred with four goals, supported by efforts from Mitch Duggen and Sam Collinwood.

Lancelyn followed up their recent Veronica Conway Cup triumph with a 3–2 victory over Bushell Athletic. Joe Downey’s brace and a Jordan Major goal proved enough, despite replies from Stewy Jackson and Luke Naylor.

In Division Two, Saughall’s title ambitions took a hit despite another goal from Andy Noonan, as Poulton Victoria S&S ran out 2–1 winners thanks to strikes from Danny Kendall and Dale Atherton.

Upton Town triumphed in a 6–3 thriller against Higher Bebington Kelma. Stuart Hardman bagged a hat-trick, while Tom Ward, Josh Ross, and a Kelma own goal completed the scoring.

Athletic VH continued their Division Three title charge with a comfortable 3–0 win over West Kirby United, courtesy of goals from Howard Willet, Lewis McKeown, and Ross Meadows.

Glenavon Athletic, perhaps still feeling the effects of their Jimmy Core Cup win, slipped to a 4–2 defeat to Victoria Colts. Despite efforts from Alex Weston and Brandon Scott, Colts hit four through Darly Hellon, Lewis Walton, Matty Wilde, and Mick Williams.

In a seven-goal thriller, Farmers Arms put up a brave fight but were edged 4–3 by North Wirral Saints. Sean Wright’s brace, alongside goals from Callum Smith and Sam Platt, proved just enough.

AFC Raeburn edged past Fender Youth 3–2, with Andy Cook, Josh Morgan, and Tom Harrington on the scoresheet. Fender replied through Alex Smith and Brandon Scott.

Lastly, Parkgate St Germain made it back-to-back wins with a 3–1 result against West Kirby Wasps. Ieuan Hughes struck twice, and Alex Butterworth added a third, with Tyler Evans responding for the Wasps.