Houlihan's Press Report 23 February 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Before we dive into Sunday’s fixtures, there is an interesting development in the Houlihan’s Birkenhead Sunday League.

The committee has been discussing the possibility of introducing a veterans’ league next season. If this grabs your attention, get in touch with Hon General Secretary Dave Pugh at secretarybsl@outlook.com. If there’s enough demand, further talks will follow.

Farmers Arms FC, competing in Division 3, have endured some heavy defeats this season, yet their resilience has been commendable. Week after week, they have turned up when others may have folded, and their perseverance paid off with a thrilling victory over Division 2 side Catons FC in the first round of the BSL Invitation Trophy.

Despite Goals from Dom Quirk, Josh Winter, and James Marshall for Farmers, Catons also netted three goals of their own, taking the match to penalties. Farmers kept their nerve, winning 4-3 in the shootout much to the delight of players, the Manager, and committee members (see photo)

In another high-scoring game, AFC Rangers defeated AFC Tima by the odd goal in seven. A brace for both Shaun Anderson and Billy Newman did the damage for Rangers, while an Aarron Griffiths brace and an effort from Tom Hunts were not enough for AFC Tima.

Despite tough conditions, North Wirral Saints progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win against MSC Eastham thanks to a Conor Barlow double.

Whitby Rangers have gained promotion from two out of the last three seasons and will be hoping to play Premier Division football next season and on Sunday, they had a taste of what life in the Premier Division will be like as they faced Dock in the Tony Houlihan’s Memorial Trophy fourth round.

Whitby got off to a flying start, taking the lead after just 15 minutes when Matty Vickers broke the offside trap to finish with confidence. However, this kicked Dock into action. Jamie Eaton levelled matters on the half-hour mark when he slotted from the edge of the box after a brilliant counter attack, the second quickly followed when Whitby keeper Will Ebbrell was only able to parry a Haydon Cooper shot into the path of a Dock player who crossed for Eaton to grab his second from close range.

Just before half time, Whitby’s task became even more difficult when they had a man sent off for two yellow card offences. This was the defining moment and enabled Dock to take complete control with a second-half Jack Kelly effort sealing the win for Dock.

Bushell Athletic secured a dominant 4-2 victory over Queens Park thanks to goals from Jacob McLaughlin, Leon Jones, Max Tattle,r and Jay Hanson. Queens responded with goals from Harvey Sample and Jamie Leyland.

Meanwhile, Cheshire Cheese knocked out Eagle & Stirrup winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Cam Nuttall, Sean Wilson, and Connor Edwards with Stirrup’s consolation goal coming from Jason Farrell.

Dega Taylor netted for KRCT Bidston in their game against Great Float who replied with a Jake Stewart effort to send the game to penalties. The shootout turned into a marathon but was eventually won, with Bidston keeper Ciaran O’Loughlin emerging the hero when he netted a penalty then saved a Float penalty.

Luke Blondell was the stand-out performer as he helped himself to fine hat-trick to ease Neston Nomads to a 3-0 victory over Wellington FC.

Rig Move made light work of their game against Barkers Sheridans, winning 11-1. Steve Rowlands bagged five, Simon Thelwell a brace while Billy Nixon, Regan Riach, Shaun Weaver, and Jake Pirie all scored.

In the third round of the Jimmy Core Cup, AFC Raeburn and Athletic VH finished 90 minutes 1-1, with Nathan Ellis scoring for Athletic and Natas Asmonas replying for Raeburn. Athletic VH triumphed 5-4 in the shootout to progress.

In Division 2 action, leaders Feeneys claimed a 2-1 victory over third-placed Poulton Athletic S&S, with goals from Mark Rand and Mitch Francis. Danny Kendall netted Poulton’s only goal.

Oxton Celtic kept the pressure on with a 2-0 win against Higher Bebington Kelma, with Harry Sutton and Sean Deehan scoring.

Eastham Rangers edged past Saughall 3-2, thanks to a brace from Nick Evans and a strike from Cole Saunders. Saughall’s Andy Noonan bagged both their goals.

Woodchurch Rovers secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Upton Willows, with Haydon Berry, Ryan Thompson, and Zac Woods on target for Rovers. Dean Wylde and Danny France scored for the Willows.

In Division Three, Glenavon continued their impressive run, defeating West Kirby United 2-0, with Mike Robert scoring and an own goal sealing the win.

In the final game, West Kirby Wasps, despite goals from Owen Allport and Elliot Dunbavin, lost 3-2 to Victoria Colts, who went one better netting three of their own to take the points.