RELEGATION-THREATENED Helsby slumped to their 14th Division One defeat of the season from 17 starts when they lost 2-0 to General Chemicals.
Bernie Cannon and Mick Smith netted for the Chemics, who moved into third place, while Helsby, with just seven points, languish at the foot of the table, seven points adrift of their nearest rivals.
In Division Two, Christleton Reserves had a visit from Merseyside Police who maintained their three-point lead after cruising to a 4-0 win, thanks to goals by Mark Ellison (2), Chris Killen and Paul Jones.
Upton AA moved closer to mid-table respectability after a Simon Andrews penalty and Ben Billington goal earned a 2-1 decision over Mond Rangers, who had Eddie Droughton on the mark.
Upton AA Reserves shared six goals with Mond Rangers Reserves, with Phil Jones (2) and Lee Price their marksmen and Kevin Jones, Barry McCann and Simon Worthington replying.
Vauxhall Motors Reserves gave it their best shot against Poulton Vics in the first round of the Wirral FA Senior Cup, but it wasn't enough as Vics shaded a 3-2 victory with goals from Gary Reay, Mike Bates and Robbie Tynan, Neil McCann and Lee Kissock replying.
Capenhurst Villa came a cropper against Cammell Laird, who thrashed them 8-2. Their tormentor-in-chief was Tony Mulholland with four goals, with Brian McIlroy grabbing a hat-trick and John Collins also on target. Gareth Hibbs and Craig Newnes hit second-half consolation goals for Cape.
New Brighton pulled off the shock of the round as the Division Two outfit beat Division One leaders Newton with goals by Gordon Harrison and Nick Kirazas.
Neighbours Castrol Social and Ellesmere Port live to fight another day after their tie was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
The odds on Willaston returning to Division Three shortened after their 5-1 defeat by Heswall Reserves, who included doubles from Kevin Coles and Carl Lamb, with Mike Mosedale replying.
In Division Three, Ellesmere Port Reserves were beaten by a Jack Rice goal for Bronze Social, while a Peter Reynolds strike couldn't prevent Grange Athletic losing to leaders Manweb reserves, who chalked up their 12th win in a row. The draw for the quarter-finals of the Wirral FA Senior Cup, scheduled for January 17, is: Ashville v Mallaby; Ellesmere Port or Castrol v Cammell Laird; Poulton Vics v Heswall; West Kirby v New Brighton.
