ELLESMERE Port secured an impressive victory at Division One title hopefuls Christleton on Saturday, giving them a significant psychological advantage ahead of their clash in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup semi-final.
Goals from Glyn James and Neil Shepherd proved decisive as Port secured a 2-1 triumph to inch them closer to mid-table sanctuary and seriously damage Christleton's title aspirations.
Meanwhile, local rivals Castrol Social continued their fight for Division One survival with a valuable point from a 1-1 draw with Frankby outfit, Newton.
Steve Morgan netted for the Oilmen, with Jamie Hannah on the mark for the visitors.
Luke Pendlebury rifled home a 25-yard strike to put Castrol's relegation rivals Mallaby in front on 67 minutes against Vauxhall Motors Reserves, but the Motormen rallied to salvage a point courtesy of an astute finish from Neil Mc-Cann.
It was another two points wasted for fourth-placed Vauxhall who failed to capitalise on leaders Poulton Vics' 3-1 defeat at Aintree Villa, while their nearest rivals West Kirby were held 2-2 at Maghull.
Despite a victory over current Division Two leaders Maghull Reserves last week, doubts were cast over Capenhurst Villa's promotion credentials following Saturday's disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Poulton Vics Reserves.
Andy Bolton bagged all three goals for the Wallasey outfit and although Capen-hurst have four games in hand, they are now 16 points behind the leaders and 12 points adrift of second-placed Upton AA.
Following a period of erratic performances Willaston have now regained their form after storming to a 5-0 rout of Christleton Reserves. Doubles from Richie Hughes and Mark Jones and further effort from Jimmy Hilditch did the damage for the home side.
In Division Three Grange Athletic made a welcome return to winning ways thanks to a 2-1 win over Chester visitors, MBNA. Craig Webb and Phil Selby found the net for Grange while Andy Cross hit MBNA's consolation.
Mike Hayes plundered the game's only goal as Ellesmere Port Reserves got the better of Mersey Royal.
But a Paul Ainsworth strike failed to prevent Capenhurst Villa Reserves from losing 2-1 at home to Merseyside Police Reserves. Shaun Corlett and Joe Duncalf obliged for the Bobbies.
This Saturday sees Vauxhall Motors Reserves at home to Ashville in a game the Motormen need to win to keep pace with their Division One title rivals.
Ellesmere Port entertain another form side Aintree Villa while Castrol Social face the daunting task of coming away with a result from Cammell Laird Reserves.
In Division Two Capenhurst Villa will be confident of taking maximum points from their trip to bottom club Christleton Res, while in Division Three Ellesmere Port Reserves are at home to current leaders West Kirby Reserves and Grange Athletic will be looking to make it two wins on the trot when they travel to Mersey Royal.
