ELLESMERE Port Reserves may not be setting Division Three alight but they're certainly having their say in the outcome of the title race.
Having previously relieved former leaders Merseyside Police of their unbeaten record, Port's second string blew the championship race wide open again after eclipsing current pacesetters West Kirby Reserves 2-1, courtesy of goals from Steve Hickson and Mark Lancashire.
The result brought neighbours Grange Athletic back into the promotion picture and they took advantage to move to within three points of the leaders as braces from Paul Cockram and Phil Selby secured an important 4-3 victory over Mersey Royal.
However, promotion outsiders Willaston forfeited ground after being held 1-1 at home by St Werburgh's, despite a fine goal from Karl Dunbar.
Capenhurst Villa Reserves eased their reelection fears after defeating fellow strugglers Blacon YC Reserves as Louis Wellings, Nick Cushing, Steve Pinnington and Alan Lock all found the net in a 4-0 rout.
In Division One, leaders Cammell Laird Reserves dipped 2-0 in midweek, which allowed the chasing pack back into the frame.
One of those clubs are Christleton but they were held to a 3-3 draw by a resilient Vauxhall Reserves as goals by Paul Hallows, Chris Herbert and Andy Owen were cancelled out by Kevin Davies (2) and Philly Greenhalgh.
Castrol Social had Dean Barlow on target but lost out 3-1 to third-placed Maghull, while bottom club Ellesmere Port now trail nearest rivals Ashville by five points after going down 3-0 at Poulton Victoria, with Dave Cringle (2) and Carl Navis netting for the hosts.
Fixtures - Friday (7.30pm) - Division One: Vauxhall Res v Mallaby.
Saturday (2pm) - Division One: Castrol Social v Cammell Laird Res; West Kirby v Ellesmere Port.
Division Two: Capenhurst Villa v New Brighton.
Division Three: Ellesmere Port Res v Bronze Social; Shaftesbury v Grange Athletic; St Werburgh's v Capenhurst Villa Res; Willaston v West Kirby Res.
