CHESTER Nomads grasped a lifeline in their bid for promotion from Division Three with a priceless 3-2 victory at New Brighton Reserves, courtesy of a goal apiece from Mark Kerr, Mark Powell and Dale Harris.
Gordon Harrison and Mike O'Shaughnessy replied for the home side but, more importantly, second-placed West Kirby Reserves lost by the same score at Bronze Reserves, opening the way for Nomads to clinch a place in Division Two next season, if they can win their last two games.
There are already three Chester sides in Division Two and should Nomads win promotion, local derbies should provide plenty of talking points next season.
Relegation battlers Christleton Reserves beat Ashville Reserves 4-1 with goals from Wes Kilgannon, Chris Herbert, Eden Fenlon and Craig Warrington. The win was enough to keep them above fellow strugglers Manor Athletic and Capen -hurst Villa, both of whom won at the weekend. With Willaston almost doomed, the other drop spot is still in the offing.
BlaconYC's promotion drive came un-stuck after they slumped 3-0 at home to Mond Rangers, Scott Howard, Eddie Droughton and Adam Gandy applying the finishing touches for the visitors.
With leaders Cammell Laird Reserves having finished their season on 59 points, Blacon must now win their last four games to achieve promotion.
Christleton's first team had Andy Shelton on target in their Division One tussle at third-placed Poulton Vics, but the home side emerged 2-1 victors thanks to replies from Gary Reay and Craig Cartwright to open up a three-point gap on the Chester outfit.
Back-to-back victories have given Capenhurst Villa a glimmer of hope in their battle to avoid relegation from Division Two, which would ultimately see their reserve side forfeit their place in Division Three.
West Cheshire Bowl finalists Capenhurst were indebted to goals from Jordan Brierley and Carl Ladbrooke in a superb 2-0 win at Heswall Reserves.
Following a disappointing season in Division One, Ellesmere Port, formerly Shell, completed their season with a victory to savour, 2-0 against local rivals Castrol Social. The win saw Port open up a four-point lead over second-from-bottom Castrol, but the Oilmen still have six games left to address their plight.
If Cammell Laird progress to North West Counties League, automatic relegation may not come into effect, which would leave a vacancy in the top flight and possibly safeguard the Ellesmere Port-based clubs' futures.
Grange Athletic, in Division Three, ran out comfortable 5-1 victors at Capenhurst Villa Reserves, Barlow (2), Davies, Brookes and Burns finding the net, to give them their ninth league win of the season. Michael Banks scored Cape's consolation.
Ellesmere Port Reserves were second best on the day to champions-elect Man -web Reserves, who moved a step nearer a league and shield double after efforts from Wright (2) and Bonner (2) secured a 4-0 triumph. The result assured the Liverpool side of Division Two football next season, and a point from their last fixture will see them crowned champions at the first time of asking.
Key games on Saturday include the Pyke Cup final between Poulton Vics and West Kirby at Vauxhalls (11am) and, at the same time, Christleton face Hoole Rangers at Chester Nomads' ground in the Chester Senior Cup semi-final.
