IN one of the few games to survive the winter snap two teams on unbeaten runs came together at West Kirby in the First Division of the Carlsberg West Cheshire League. However, the 13 places difference in the league table was evident from the start as West Kirby – undefeated for seven league games – dominated the youthful Marine Reserves side, who were defending a run of being unbeaten in their last five league outings. It was only some poor finishing and a couple of good saves from the Marine keeper that kept the young side in touch for so long. Then their luck turned and a wicked deflection off a Marine defender deep into injury time gave the home side the lead at the break. West Kirby added a second through Chris Barrow before a moment of indiscipline reduced Marine to 10 men. Paul Casey wrapped up the victory. The victory takes West Kirby five points clear at the top. Last season’s champions moved above Aintree Villa after two goals from Darren McGuinness and one from Gareth Owen gave Poulton Victoria all three points. Steve Archibald pulled one back for Aintree. Sitting just above the relegation zone, Merseyside Police travelled to New Brighton looking for a lifeline. New Brighton were not in the mood to give out any presents and goals from Neil Atkinson and James Locke ensured they continued to climb the table. Poulton Vics Reserves became the first team to reach the final of the Wirral Amateur Cup, disposing easily of Division Two strugglers FC Pensby. Two goals from Danny Edwards, one each from Shaun Kelly, Ian Sherridan and Kevin Thompson sent Paul Wakeham’s side home disappointed. An Arran Doyle goal was the only consolation for Pensby. Earlier in the week, in an exciting Shield semi-final, the form-book was turned on its head after AFC Bebington Athletic, for so long dominant in the Third Division, fell to defeat with surprising ease on a ground freezing by the minute. Bronze Social, languishing third from bottom of the table, were quickly into their stride with two first-half goals from Paul Coventry. Bebington fought back in the second half, netting through Chris Kennedy and Graham Carvell before two more goals from Jay Thompson restored the two-goal advantage. Another from David Iqbal for Athletic gave them a glimmer of hope but Jay Thompson netted his hat-trick and Shaun Mooney rounded off a good night’s work. Bronze will now play Shaftesbury in the May final, while Bebington hope that a return to form can ensue as they seek promotion. RESULTS: West Cheshire Shield Semi-Final: Bronze Social 6 AFC Bebington Athletic 3. Division One: Aintree Villa 1 Poulton Victoria 3, West Kirby 3 Marine Reserves 0. Wirral District FA Cup semi-final: Poulton Victoria Reserves 5 FC Pensby 1. All other games postponed. | 
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