CHESTER Nomads suffered a dramatic second-half collapse as they slumped to their third defeat in four Division Two matches at Runcorn Town on Wednesday.

A Paul Hart goal gave the hosts a narrow interval lead before a second half deluge, in which Hart completed his hat-trick, saw Robbie Moore, Ged Bushell, Danny Cummins and Adam Carden all on target as Nomads were crushed 7-0.

Christleton's second string celebrated their first win of the new campaign, courtesy of a 2-1 win over Halton at Little Heath.

Man of the match Ian Hastings and Nathan Freeman were on target for the Swans before Martin Molyneux pulled one back for Halton.

In Division Three, newcomers Blacon YC reserves went down 4-0 to Runcorn Town reserves at Cairns Crescent while honours were shared in the local derby, when third-placed Upton AA reserves were held 0-0 by battling neighbours St Werburgh's.

In midweek Division One action, West Kirby avenged an open-ing-day defeat at the hands of Christleton as they won a well-fought contest 2-0. Liam Atherton and Lee Cairns were on target.

Upton AA lost their 100% record at Ellesmere Port as the home side secured a 2-1 win.

Port were 2-0 up by half time, but Upton were far from deflated and gave an excellent account of themselves during the second period. On 80 minutes, Mark Thompson was upended in the box, and Simon Andrews duly converted from the spot. But appeals for a second more blatant penalty minutes later were turned down.

A Simon Donoghue brace was not enough to clinch victory for Ashville as goals from Jamie Rogers and John Dowdridge snatched a point for Blacon YC in a 2-2 draw.

* On Saturday, Division One newcomers Upton AA turned in a clinical performance to win 4-0 at Marine reserves.

But there was bad news for Christleton who lost their un-beaten record after they went down 2-1 at Vauxhall Motors reserves.

Blacon lost 2-1 at Poulton Vics last Friday.

In Division Two, Christleton's second string suffered their first reverse of the campaign, going down 3-2 at home to Mallaby on Friday while Chester Nomads lost 3-2 at Heswall reserves.

Helsby also suffered defeat as they endured a 4-1 drubbing at New Brighton reserves.

In Division Three, Upton AA's reserve side beat Bronze social 3-1 while St Werburgh's suffered a 4-1 mauling at Capenhurst Villa reserves.

Blacon YC reserves won 2-0 against Manor Athletic.