Houlihan's Press Report 23 March 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

Sunday’s fixtures featured some crucial league clashes that could prove decisive in the battle for league titles as the season nears its climax. After a disappointing run of results, Dock returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion.

An away trip to Woodchurch is never an easy test, but Dock passed with flying colours to keep their title challenge firmly on track. Both sides created early chances and saw penalty appeals waved away before Jack Kelly broke the deadlock, finishing from close range after fine work by Peter Morgan.

However, Woodchurch hit back just ten minutes later, as Ben Holmes showed quick footwork to weave his way into the Dock box and slot home for 1-1. The visitors responded instantly, reclaiming the lead within a minute as Joe Brandon cut in from the left to restore their advantage.

The first half continued at a frantic pace, with both teams pushing forward, but Dock struck a crucial third goal on the stroke of half-time when Jay Harvey’s low strike nestled in the corner. Dock stepped up a gear in the second half, with Haydon Cooper netting twice and Jack Kelly adding another to seal an emphatic 6-1 victory. With Beechwood not in action, Dock now sit three points clear at the summit.

KRCT Bidston warmed up for their Tony Houlihan Memorial Cup semi-final with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Lancelyn, courtesy of goals from Dava Bowe and John Mearns, while Tom Haynes grabbed Lancelyn’s lone goal.

Meanwhile, Queens Park eased to a dominant 6-1 victory over Bushell Athletic. Liam Owen led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Harvey Sample, Tom Black, Joel Kelly, and Josh Abbot, while Jason Bull was Bushell’s scorer.

In the First Division, Rig Move dented Whitby’s title hopes while strengthening their own ambitions with a vital 1-0 victory in a tense local clash. Billy Nixon netted the crucial goal, leaving both sides level on 29 points with games in hand on league leaders Fender, who remain top on 36 points, keeping the title race wide open.

Shaftesbury AFC edged past Eagle & Stirrup 2-1, with Ryan Sides and Nathan Hickson on target for Shafts, while Carl Griffiths found the net for Stirrup.

Division Two action saw a fiery rematch of last week’s ‘Ethel Austins Derby,’ Upton Town once again prevailed, this time edging Upton Willows 3-2 in a dramatic contest. Willows led 2-1 heading into the closing stages thanks to goals from Matty Walsh and Dean Wylde, but Upton turned the game around late on with a double from Tom Ward and a last-minute winner from Liam Healy to keep their title aspirations alive.

Higher Bebington Kelma produced a ruthless attacking display as Corey Wilson and Lewis Simpson both netted four goals apiece in a 12-1 demolition of Catons. Their efforts were complemented by a Liam Atherton brace and goals from Dylan Owen and David Price.

Barkers Sheridan’s secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Eastham Rangers, with Mike New and Jay Weir on the scoresheet, moving them further clear of the relegation battle.

In Third Division action, long-time leaders Athletic VH faced a top-of-the-table showdown against an in-form Glenavon Athletic, who had been closing the gap in recent weeks. The last meeting saw Glenavon take the points, but this time Athletic VH prevailed 2-1, with Cam Meadows and Zak Catesby scoring the decisive goals, while George Wild netted Glenavon’s consolation.

AFC Raeburn and MSC Eastham shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, with Jack Whitby scoring for Eastham, while an unfortunate own goal accounted for Raeburn’s tally.

Meanwhile, Parkgate St Germain cruised to a 4-0 win over West Kirby Wasps, thanks to goals from Alex Butterworth, John Gibson, Ben Swift, and Ryan Wright.

West Kirby United put seven past Farmers Arms in a 7-1 rout, with hat-tricks from Ben Banks and Tom Danby, plus a strike from Luke Austin. Matty Hayes provided Farmers’ only goal.

Elsewhere, AFC Tima overcame Victoria Colts 3-1, with goals from Cameron Jones, Michael Redgrift, and Daniel King, while Ryan Coles netted Colts’ consolation.

In the BSL Invitation Trophy semi-finals, Woodchurch Rovers and Corsair booked their places in the final. Woodchurch Rovers saw off AFC Rangers 4-1, with Ryan Thompson netting twice and additional goals from Haydn Berry and Frankie Woods, while Chris Carress grabbed Rangers’ consolation.

Corsair went one better, recording a commanding 5-1 victory over North Wirral Saints, with goals from Kieran Jones, Nathan Brdy, Brad Geer, Leon Clarke, and Sam Saunders sealing their passage to the final.