FC Bootle's Division One title hopes took the knock, after they lost 3-2 to Helsby.

From a considerably reduced fixture programme, despite efforts from Joe Tynan and Chris Lowe, FC Bootle's Go2 Day West Cheshire League Division One title hopes took the knock, after they lost 3-2 to Helsby. Prolific scorer, Lee Turkington struck twice and was joined on the scoresheet by Joel Jones, as Helsby celebrated a welcome Yuletide victory, WRITES ERNIE MCDONALD.
A solitary strike from Dillon Thomas saw Mersey Royal glean maximum points from their tussle with Heswall, but Vauxhall Motors continued to struggle for results, following a 4-3 home defeat at the hands of local rivals, Capenhurst Villa. Zak Prescott, Thomas Hoather and Luke Walker obliged for Motors with replies from Steve Rowlands (2) Nathan Lightfoot and Kevin Fields sealing the issue for Cape.
Division Two promotion challengers, Hooton came unstuck for the second week in succession, when they fell prey to a single strike from West Kirby's Kyle Bennett.
In Division Three, a Louis Brown hat trick, allied to an effort from TJ Burns, failed to prevent Poulton Vics from going down 9-4 at home to Great Sutton. Tormentor-in-chief was John Skipsey who helped himself to a four timer. Jack Smith (2) Tom Foran and Liam McCrellis were also on target for the winners. Jake Hill and John Brown netted for Runcorn Sports Res. but it was the hosts, Chester Nomads Res. who profited, Josh Carew (2) and consistent marksman, Cam Clark inspiring a 3-2 triumph. Goals were also the order of the day as Rainhill Town Res. and Ellesmere Port Town U23's fought out a 4-4 stalemate. James Billows, Darren Moran, Ant Dunleavy and Luke Edwards scored for Rainhill with the Port earning a point thanks to replies from Emmanuel Olaitan, James Gahame, Kynde Mallory and Isaac Benbow.
Saturday's Youth Division action saw Cammell Laird 1907 savour a 3-2 decision over Neston Nomads, courtesy of a goal apiece from Jack Gordon, Kyle McGregor and Denis Baker. The visitors responded via Dan Steele and Nate Jones. In another 3-2 finish, Vauxhall Motors scored through Harvey Simpson and Kenzy Colgate but came up short against Runcorn Linnets, who secured the win with goals from Lewis Crane (2) and Jack Ball. Litherland Remyca also posted a 3-2 result at West Kirby Utd. with Reece McKane, Eric Thompson and Elliot Sullivan sharing the goals. Oscar Wilkinson and Jack Rowland netted for Kirby.
Finally, on behalf of the Management Committee, best wishes to all West Cheshire clubs for an enjoyable Christmas and prosperous New Year, and here's hoping for an exciting finale to season 2023/24.