VAUXHALL Motors Reserves revived their faltering Division One title hopes with a magnificent win over league leaders Poulton Victoria at the weekend.
Efforts from Nick Simber and Alan Griffiths secured a 2-0 triumph over the Vics and former Motors boss, Steve Leyland, to reduce the gap at the top of the table to just five points.
At the other end, the seesaw battle against relegation continued, after Castrol Social dropped to the foot of the table, following their 2-1 defeat at New Brighton. Matt Humphries was on target for the Oilmen who now trail nearest rivals, Mallaby, by two points, but have four games in hand on the Claughton Village side, who earned breathing space after pulling off a surprise 3-1 win at Ashville.
Ben Bennett, Chris Dunne and Shaun Keevey netted for the winners.
The local derby in Division Two, between Willa-ston and Capenhurst Villa, was settled by a single goal in Cape's favour thanks to a solitary strike from experienced campaigner, John Keefe. Cape have conceded the fewest number of goals in three divisions, and that is testament indeed to the assuring presence of goal-keeper, Neil Ebbrell.
Saturday's result kept Villa on course for promotion, but they have a lot of ground to make up, and despite having six games in hand on current leaders, Maghull Reserves, the deficit is still twenty points.
In Division Three, both Capenhurst Villa Reserves and Ellesmere Port Reserves suffered respective postponements against MANWEB Reserves and Manor Athletic, but Grange Athletic achieved a positive result against Mersey Royal to register their tenth victory of the current campaign. Nick Cushing struck twice and was joined on the scoresheet by Ian Armstrong and Craig Webb in Saturday's 4-3 triumph. John Shaw, John Strange and Dave Thomas replied for the visitors.
This Saturday's Division One action sees Vauxhall Motors Reserves visit Ashville, who appear to be in freefall since their FA Vase exit, while Ellesmere Port have a tough task on their hands, with their fixture at Maghull, who do not lose many at home.
In Division Two, Capen-hurst Villa are away to MANWEB, and Willaston entertain Halton (formerly General Chemicals).
Division Three action, sees Grange Athletic travel to promotion chasing New Brighton Reserves, while Capenhurst Villa Reserves and Ellesmere Port Reserves have home fixtures with MBNA and MANWEB Reserves respectively.
