THE spectre of relegation continues to haunt Division One side Ellesmere Port following Saturday's dismal showing at Manweb, as they went down 6-2 to their Liverpool hosts.
Debutant James Maloney hit four goals for the home side with the visitors' consolation strikes coming from John Powell and Steve Chambers.
The situation is not much better at Division Two strugglers Willaston, who scored through Jimmy Hilditch but were edged out 2-1 by Maghull Reserves.
Capenhurst Villa are two points above Willaston but also have their problems as they suffered a 4-1 reversal to reigning champions Poulton Victoria Reserves, despite a John Keefe strike.
Villa's second-string entertained Division Three leaders Manweb Reserves, who along with Newton are one of only two unbeaten sides in the league.
Capenhurst Reserves gave it their best shot against Newton but strikes from Will Griffiths and Tony Spell-man inspired a 2-0 victory.
In Cheshire FA Amateur Cup action, Ellesmere Port's two remaining representatives, Castrol Social and Grange Athletic, were shown the exit door.
Castrol entertained last season's beaten finalists, Heswall, but were beaten 3-1 with Saunders, McNulty and Singleton netting for the visitors while John Powell replied for the Oilmen.
Third Division Grange went down by the same scoreline to Middlewich Town, despite a strike from Russ Brookes.
Saturday's fixtures (2pm) - First Division: Ellesmere Port v Vauxhall Res; Helsby v Castrol Social. Second Division: Capenhurst Villa v Christleton Res; Willaston v Mond Rangers. Third Division: Shaftesbury v Ellesmere Port Res; St Werburgh's v Capenhurst Villa Res; West Kirby Res v Grange Athletic.
