UPTON AA have lost ground in their bid to catch Division Two leaders Maghull Reserves.

The Chester club were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at lowly Heswall Reserves on Saturday.

Anthony Riley obliged for the hosts, with Simon Andrews on target for second-placed Upton, who trail the leaders by eight points with two games in hand.

The result duly handed the initiative back to Blacon YC, who will now overtake their city rivals if they can turn their games in hand into points.

It was an unsatisfactory day too for fourth-placed Capenhurst Villa as goals from Paul Stanley and Sparky Ryan gave them a 2-2 draw with Helsby. Replies from Nick Askey and Steve Roughsedge rescued Helsby's cause.

Bottom club Christleton Reserves had Tom Shone on target against FC Pensby, but it was the visitors who went home with the three points after a smart double from Mike Sheldon swung a 2-1 decision.

Chester Nomads came away from Poulton Victoria reserves with a creditable point after efforts from Paul Sutcliffe, Mark Powell and Simon Halston helped them to a 3-3 stalemate.

In Division Three, there was no stopping super St Werburgh's, who went on a goal-spree against the once-mighty Mersey Royal. Doubles from Alan Richardson and Nathan Mapletoft were supplemen-

ted by a Jim Aintree effort as Saints cruised to a 5-1 win.

A goal from Mark Crotty was decisive as MBNA collected maximum returns from their tussle with Shaftesbury, while efforts from James Darcy, Reece Nevvitt and an own-goal put Upton AA reserves on course for a 3-3 draw with Ellesmere Port visitors, Grange Athletic. Ian Mitchell, Craig Webb and Ian Selby netted for Grange.

Division One outfit Christleton face a hectic three days. The Swans entertain Runcorn Town tomorrow and take on Ellesmere Port on Monday for the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup semi-final at Rivacre Park (kick-off 7.30pm). In Division Two tomorrow, Upton AA are without a fixture, which provides Blacon YC with the ideal opportunity to move within three points of their Chester rivals, assuming they take three points from their tussle with Ashville Reserves.

Chester Nomads meet Heswall reserves while Christleton reserves are at Helsby.

In Division Three, St Werburgh's should be given a good game by Bronze Social, and there is also derby action as Upton AA reserves host MBNA.