RYAN Butcher was the hero as Chester Nomads took over at the top of West Cheshire League Division Two.
Although John Cadwallader’s men had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Hale, that was enough to move them one point above previous pacesetters Ashville.
But had it not been for Butcher’s blockbusting long-range free kick, their unbeaten start would have come to an abrupt end.
Hale have struggled so far this season yet for long periods on Saturday they showed why they are still regarded as one of the strongest sides in the division.
Twice they took the lead but twice Nomads fought back, with Jack Delgado scoring their first equaliser from the penalty spot.
Helsby, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the Division One campaign as they were beaten 4-0 at Marine Reserves.
Christleton went down by the same score at home to Marshalls as their worrying losing run extended to seven matches.
Rock-bottom Blacon Youth Club put their league woes aside to book their place in the second round the Chester & District FA Senior Cup with a 2-1 home triumph over Peacock 09.
Matty Pierce (2) sent Blacon through, but only after their Chester & District League opponents, for whom Adam Kelly had levelled the tie, made a real game of it.
It was a poor afternoon for local teams in Division Three.
Christleton Reserves fared best, with Phil Sailes and Steve Sailes getting their goals in a 2-2 draw at Marshalls Reserves.
Upton AA Reserves (Will Kelly, Andy Lloyd) – whose first team were without a match – lost 3-2 at home to Ashville Reserves, Blacon Youth Club Reserves (Leroy Robinson) fell 5-1 at Hale Reserves and Helsby Reserves (Stephen O’Brian) were on the end of a 6-1 home beating by Runcorn Linnets Reserves.
Malpas’ upturn in form continued on Saturday as they drew their Cheshire League Division Two derby at home to Whitchurch Alport 2-2.
Two goals from the on-fire Alley Taylor could not stop Tarporley Victoria from losing 4-2 at Garswood Town in Division One.
Tributes paid to ‘Mr Upton AA’ Barry Gaulton – see page 93.
