SATURDAY'S Division One action saw erratic performers Ellesmere Port have another off day when they were beaten 3-0 at home by Chester visitors Christleton.

The away side had Chris Herbert to thank for hitting all three goals.

Champions Vauxhall Motors Res were also second best on the day, and went down by the same score at home to second-placed Poulton Vics.

Having played more games than their rivals, however, it is Ellesmere Port who face the biggest battle to avoid relegation.

The Port's third Division One club Castrol Social drew for the second week running, this time 4-4 in a contest with fifth-placed Ashville.

Three-goal Robbie Sheppard played the anchor role for the Oilmen with Carl Ngiam also finding the net. James Kelly (2), Mike Roberts and Mike Hannaway replied.

A local derby involving Willaston and Capenhurst Villa in Division Two was settled 2-1 in Cape's favour, thanks to a Steve Pinnington brace.

Craig Walker netted for Willaston, who have a real fight on their hands if they are going to avoid the drop. Fortunately, fellow strugglers Manor Athletic lost away, which meant the league table remained unaffected.

In Division Three, bottom club Grange Athletic are still not getting the rub of the green, suffering their eighth league defeat from 12 starts after losing 3-2 to promotion-seeking Chester Nomads. Phil Selby and Mark Ringstead netted for Grange.

Two-goal Darryl Freeman anchored Ellesmere Port Res to a welcome 4-1 result over New Brighton Res, and within sight of mid-table safety. John Coombs and Ned Davies were also on the mark with Chris Wallace in reply.

Saturday's fixtures (2pm unless stated) - Second Division: Capenhurst Villa v Ashville Res; Willaston v Upton AA. Third Division: Bronze Social v Capenhurst Villa Res; Upton AA Res v Grange Athletic; West Kirby Res v Ellesmere Port Res.

Pyke Challenge Cup 1st round (1.30pm unless stated): Aintree Villa v Castrol Social (at Castrol); Ashville v Vauxhall Motors Res (3pm); Ellesmere Port v Maghull.