Houlihan's Press Report 9 February 2025

Birkenhead Sunday Association Football League round-up

Press Secretary Bernie Holmes

This week’s feature match came from Division 3, where unbeaten league leaders Athletic VH faced second-placed Glenavon Athletic in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table showdown.

The opening 20 minutes were scrappy, but Glenavon broke the deadlock when Matty Lacey unleashed a 30-yard rocket into the top corner, However Just before half-time, Athletic VH’s James Dawson pounced on a defensive error to equalise, leaving the game finely poised at 1-1. Within 5 minutes of the restart, Glenavon regained the lead through Danny Rowlands, who finished off a slick counter-attack to make it 2-1.

However, the league leaders showed their resilience once again when Harper Farnsworth struck a superb half volley to level the game at 2-2. With both sides pushing for a winner, it was Glenavon’s Paul Keenan who delivered the decisive blow in the dying moments, scoring from an acute angle to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory and hand Athletic HV their first league defeat of the season.

While Glenavon still have four games in hand, this performance suggests they are more than capable of making up the gap.

Elsewhere, North Wirral Saints kept up the pressure with a ruthless 12-0 demolition of West Kirby Wasps. Ben Dunn led the way with a double hat-trick, while Dylan Platt bagged a treble. Sam Platt, Frazer Lucking, and Callum Sait also found the net in a dominant display.

West Kirby United picked up a valuable 3-1 win over Parkgate St German, thanks to goals from Matty Murphy, Robbie Nairn, and Fin Austin. Meanwhile, Farmers Arms showed signs of improvement as Dom Quirk and Niall Teal both scored, but AFC Rangers ran out 4-2 winners with strikes from Luke Hughes, Nathan Raven, Rees Oldham, and Dylan Palmer.

MSC Eastham secured a 3-1 victory over AFC Tima, with Corey Jenkins, Alfie Cowell, and Luke Robinson on target.

Finally, Fender Youth shared the spoils with AFC Raeburn in a 2-2 draw, as Owen Howell’s brace for Fender was cancelled out by goals from Jack Hoijord and Natas Asmonas.

Division 2 action saw Feeneys take full advantage of Oxton Celtic’s cup commitments to claim a commanding 4-2 victory over Wirral Radio, a result that sees them move to the top of the table by a single point. Mark Rand was the star of the show with a well-taken brace, while Max Carvel and Ben Hunter also found the net. Wirral Radio’s consolation goals came courtesy of Matt Lydiate and Conor Egan.

Catons FC finally got off the mark in the league, securing their first win of the campaign with a thrilling 4-3 triumph over Barkers Sheridans. Dylan Cotgrave, Will Evans, N. Williams, and Z. Cotgrave all hit the target for Catons. Barkers kept things close with goals from Sean Hyland, Jay Weir, and Billy New but ultimately fell short.

In another high-scoring affair, Eastham Rangers edged past Woodchurch Rovers 3-2. Cole Saunders led the way with a double, and Nick Evans added the crucial third. Woodchurch fought back with goals from David Harrison and Michael Dobbs but couldn’t find an equaliser.

Shaftesbury’s form continued to fluctuate, this time in their favour as they battled to a 2-1 win over Neston Nomads. Goals from Callum McCaffrey and Finn Onwuemene were enough to secure the points, despite Andy Rogers converting from the penalty spot for Nomads

Fender FC marched on in their Division 1 title pursuit, picking up another three points with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Corsair. Billy Rainbow continued his impressive scoring run, with Ellis Byrne and Carl Navarro also getting on the scoresheet. Elsewhere, Paul Ryan’s strike was not enough to prevent Lions FC from slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Eagle & Stirrup, who claimed all 3-points.

Premier Division leaders Dock maintained their position at the top with a commanding 6-0 victory over Great Float. Jack Kelly stole the show with a hat-trick, while Ben Wood, Peter Morgan, and Kyle McGregor also found the net.

Cheshire Cheese stayed in second place after a hard-fought 3-1 win against Lancelyn Glenavon. Lorcan Rogan bagged a brace, with Kieron Frost adding the third. Jack Lloyd scored the consolation goal for Lancelyn.

Beechwood SC kept the pressure on with an emphatic 4-0 derby triumph over Woodchurch FC. Mitch Duggan led the charge with a brace, while Tom Quinn and Jack McGrotty completed the scoring.

KRCT Bidston and Rock Ferry Social played out a pulsating eight-goal thriller. Dega Taylor grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick, and Dava Bowe chipped in with a brace for Bidston. Rock Ferry replied through a Ben Ryan double and a strike from Luis David, but it wasn’t enough, with the match ending 5-3 to Bidston.

Bushell Athletic bounced back from last week’s Cheshire Cup semi-final defeat with a 2-1 victory over Wellington. Jacob McLaughlin scored both goals for Bushell, while Shay Roberts was on target for Wellington.

David Tacey Round 4 Cup Action.

Oxton Celtic progressed to the next round with a 2-1 win over Higher Bebington Kelma. Goals from Harry Sutton and Sean Deehan secured the victory, with David Price netting a late consolation for Kelma.

Rig Move made light work of Victoria Colts, cruising to an 8-0 victory. Ash Wardle and Billy Nixon each scored twice, with further goals from Paul McManamus, Connor Harwood, Daniel Woodcock, and Archie Smith completing the rout.