THE league was affected by widespread postponements at the weekend, with only a handful of matches surviving the weather.
It was a bleak Saturday for Division One title hopefuls Vauxhall Motors Reserves who followed up their midweek Pyke Cup semi-final exit to West Kirby with a 2-0 defeat at Ashville courtesy of a Darren McGuiness double.
The Tuesday night cup clash was a compelling hard-fought tussle and after Tony Cotgrave's opener for West Kirby was cancelled out by a James Thomas penalty, the match went into extra time.
Chris Barrow reclaimed the lead for the West Wirral-based side in the first period before Alan Griffiths put the Motors back on terms.
But with just seven minutes remaining Cotgrave swooped to grab his second of the match and edge West Kirby into the final where they will face Poulton Vics.
Motors hopes of league and cup glory now look over after current Division One leaders Poulton Vics extended their advantage at the top of the table to eight points after efforts from Kevin Davies and Danny Edwards secured a 2-1 triumph over Christleton. Chris Herbert struck a consolation for the Chester side.
Arctic weather conditions forced the cancellation of the entire Division Two programme, but in Division Three, leaders West Kirby Reserves took another big stride towards Division Two football next season with a 3-1 eclipse of Upton AA Reserves.
Andy Cass, Tony Pickup and Carl Maughan found the net as the Marine Park outfit increased their lead at the top to 12 points. Ryan Butcher scored for the visitors.
This season could be have a silver lining for Kirby, who are also through to the West Cheshire Shield and Wirral FA Amateur Cup finals.
At the other end of the table, Shaft-esbury's problems continued and they are now in danger of having to seek re-election after they were beaten 4-1 at home by St Werburgh's. Hat-trick hero Joe Waters took the plaudits, and Nathan Mapletoft also netted, with Ben Cole on target for Shafts.
Despite a goal from Carl Riley, New Brighton Reserves forfeited ground in the promotion race, after Ellesmere Port visitors Grange Athletic replied through Dan Duffy and Ian Forster to register a 2-1 win.
Castrol Social's battle to beat relegation to Division Two continues this Saturday with a trip to erratic performers Christleton.
The Oilmen will be hoping they can turn in the sort of performance which saw them grind out a fine result recently against Cammell Laird Reserves.
Vauxhall Motors Reserves will be paying Merseyside Police a visit, while Ellesmere Port are favourites to profit against struggling Newton.
In Division Two, key games include Capenhurst Villa's clash with promotion rivals Blacon YC and Willaston's encounter with Upton AA.
Grange Athletic will be hoping to continue their fine run at the expense of Bronze Social in Division Three while Ellesmere Port's second string travel to Upton Villa Reserves.
