CASTROL Social bagged a crucial point in Division One on Saturday.

The Oilmen returned from Newton with a share of the spoils after Ryan Nicholl and Simon Thelwell found the net in a 2-2 stalemate.

Ellesmere Port were indebted to a goal from Andy Walker to earn a point in a 1-1 draw at Blacon YC. Lee McElmeel netted for the Chester outfit.

Vauxhall Motors Reserves lost 4-1 at Heswall.

Division Two leaders Capenhurst Villa consolidated their position at the top of the table. The prolific Sparky Ryan hit a fine hat-trick in the 4-1 eclipse of fifth-placed Halton.

A further effort from Chris Dodds completed the statistics.

Willaston stayed in sixth place, despite being held 1-1 by Ashville Reserves. Mike Moseley and Mike Jones were the respective scorers.

Willaston's second string suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Manor Athletic in Division Three, but it was celebration time for Capenhurst Villa Reserves, who savoured a 3-0 triumph at St Werburgh's thanks to goals from Chris Rushton (2) and Lee Hammond.

In the West Cheshire Shield second round, Ellesmere Port Reserves' dream of a place in the semi-finals evaporated as they crashed 4-1 at competition favourites Bebington Athletic. Port's reply came from Darrell Freeman.

Grange Athletic lived to fight another day following their 2-2 draw after extra time with Bronze Social. Ian Forster and Mike Thelwell contributed for Grange.

* In this Saturday's action, Ellesmere Port are favourites to progress in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup at the expense of Division Two minnows Chester Nomads. Castrol Social entertain Witton Albion Reserves, while Vauxhall Motors Reserves are at home to Mid-Cheshire League side Barnton. Capenhurst Villa lock horns with erratic Division One performers Cammell Laird Reserves.

In Division Three, Ellesmere Port Reserves can re-ignite their promotion challenge with a result at struggling Manweb Reserves, but Capenhurst Villa Reserves will do well to come away with a point from in-form side, Manor Athletic.