THE Division One derby between Castrol Social and Ellesmere Port at Whitby Sports and Social Club on Saturday ended 1-1.
Ryan Nicholl and Darren Toal were the respective marksmen. The result, however, was of little consolation to Castrol, who remain second from bottom and level on points with bottom club Marine Reserves.
Vauxhall Motors Reserves denied Aintree Villa from assuming pole position in a 2-2 stalemate at Rivacre Park. The Motormen's goals came from Liam Walker and Byron Jenkins.
In Division Two, Capenhurst Villa reignited their push for promotion thanks to a 3-0 eclipse of Ashville Reserves. Ian Hartford, Chris McNeil and Matty Edwards struck to give Cape a confidence-boosting victory and they now lead the table on goal difference.
Willaston lost out at New Brighton Reserves and stayed in ninth place. The hosts netted via Steve Dermody (2) and Terry Black to clinch a 3-2 decision. Greg Hunter and Steve Rafferty were Willaston's marksmen.
In Division Three, Grange Athletic fell to a third consecutive defeat, despite a fine goal from Ian Armstrong. Leaders Bebington Athletic wrapped up a 3-1 triumph over the Ellesmere Port outfit.
Ellesmere Port Reserves kept their promotion bandwagon on the road as efforts from Mike Hayes (2), Lee Watts and Steve James clinched a 4-2
decision over Runcorn Town. Elsewhere, Willaston Reserves were unlocked by a solitary strike from Bronze Social's Gareth Anderson. nA place in the last eight of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup is up for grabs this weekend and there are high hopes for Ellesmere Port, who reached the semi-finals last season.
Kevin Mulville's side have been drawn away to Styal, who accounted for Grange Athletic in the previous round.
Castrol Social start as underdogs at last term's beaten finalists Christleton, while Vauxhall Motors are favourites to go through against Division Three minnows Bronze Social. That game has been rearranged for next Wednesday at Rivacre Park (7.30pm). In Division Two, a victory for Heswall Reserves at Manweb will see them depose Capenhurst Villa from top spot.
Willaston have the chance to avenge an early-season defeat by Poulton Victoria Reserves when the two sides meet at the Recreation Ground.
Capenhurst Villa Reserves return to action in Division Three with a local derby against Grange Athletic, who must pull out all the stops to avoid a fourth defeat on the trot. Second-placed Ellesmere Port Reserves are at home to Merseyside Police and Willaston Reserves travel to Upton AA Reserves.
