NEWTON Celtic made a valiant attempt to stop the irrepressible Castrol Social in the Chester and District League.
The bottom club gave it all they had against the Premier Division leaders, losing 6-3 in the end. Ian Riddler grabbed a hat-trick for Newton.
Lennox Beddows put six away to help Hoole Rangers to an 8-4 win over Team Highfield. Darren Fowles and Pete Wheeler got the others as Adam Lang-ton scored a hat-trick and Dave Burgen added the fourth for the home side.
Duddon United maintained their title challenge beating Chester Nomads 2nds 2-1. Michael Appolonio's goal wasn't enough as Gordon Piggin and Sean Roberts secured the three points.
Waggon and Horses player Stuart Riley could afford a double celebration at the weekend. Not only was his goal the winner against Highfield Athletic, it was also only his second goal in eight years. In the first half, Ashley Keep had scored and it was 1-1 when Riley struck.
Blacon YC opened up a four-point gap over the bottom two when they beat Kydds Athletic 2-0 with goals from Luke Goodwin and Phil Hamilton.
Frodsham Utd and Tarvin 2000 Athletic drew 0-0.
Ashton Lions took over top spot from Cestrian Alex in Division One after registering a 3-1 win over Barrow Athletic thanks to Dave Willis, Willie Cuth-bert and Archie Vickers' goals.
Crossway lost ground in the title race, however, the third-placed side being on the receiving end of a shock 2-1 away win for bottom club Blacon YC Colts. Steve Gore scored the home goal.
Kelsall punished strugglers Chester Nomads 3rds, beating them 6-0 with John Devonport (2), James Thompson (2), Tom Christopher and Steve Whittaker all on target.
A 4-1 win over Runcorn Albion was still not enough to take Sutton Way Villa top of Division Two. Braces from James Watson and Anthony Bedward didn't improve their goal difference enough to oust City Bar from number one spot.
The league leaders maintained their position with a 2-0 win over Barrow Athletic 2nds, Danny McLoughlin and Jeremy Finnan getting the goals.
Robin Hood saw off hosts Boughton Athletic 5-0 thanks to goals from Richard Owen, Ben Hale and an Adam James hat-trick.
Parkgate fell to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Rangers Breaks. Chris Morrow and John McKay scored for Breaks while Danny Moore pulled one back for Parkgate.
