HELSBY put the misery of last season behind them when they clinched their first win in 31 matches on Saturday.

Because of changes in the league structure last season, Helsby, who lost all their games, avoided relegation and they responded with a 2-1 win over West Kirby, thanks to goals by Gary Cottiga and Nick Askey.

The 2002 champions Christleton remained second after a Les Kilgannon goal earned a point in a 1-1 draw at Aintree Villa.

Division Two leaders Blacon YC had their third win in as many matches when Matty McQuillian struck twice and was joined on the scoresheet by Aaron Whitley and Aaron Stokoe in a 4-0 win against newly-promoted Ashville Reserves.

After being beaten in midweek, Upton AA were sent to the foot of the table following a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of FC Pensby.

Newcomers MBNA have enjoyed a good start in Division Three and their 5-2 blitz of Mersey Royal put them in second place. Scorers were Mike Coady (2), Keiran Smith, Lee Highfield and John Bleri.

Upton AA Reserves lost 1-0 to West Kirby Reserves and Chester Nomads bounced back by winning 4-2 at Bronze Social, featuring a hat-trick by Chris Cutler. Mark Carr was also on the mark.

St Werburgh's bagged their first points of the new campaign when a Mark Tilston goal secured victory over Grange Athletic.

Castrol Social recovered from the disappointment of an opening-day defeat by beating Ashville 3-2 with goals by Parry, Boyle and Cockram.

Champions Vauxhall Reserves lost for the first time since last September when they were beaten last midweek by Christleton, but they earned a point at Poulton Vics on Saturday with goals by Dave Davies and Clint Hargreaves.

At the other end of the table, Ellesmere Port are finding the early going tough. After losing 7-1 to General Chemicals, they were beaten 4-1 at home by Newton who included a Lee Furlong hat-trick.

In Division Two, Capenhurst Villa were beaten 3-0 at home by Poulton Vics Reserves and Willaston lost 3-1 at Christleton Reserves last Friday.

Capenhurst Villa Reserves lost 1-0 to Manweb Reserves, while a Darren Toal goal helped Ellesmere Port Reserves to a 1-1 draw at Mond Rangers Reserves.