ONLY twelve points separate top from bottom in a competitive Carlsberg West Cheshire League First Division.

On Saturday, reigning champions, Maghull, climbed to second place in the table and eroded Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves' lead at the top to four points, following a 5-1 eclipse of newly-promoted Capenhurst Villa.

Hero of the hour was three-goal Andy Murphy. Liam Vogel and Mark Madden also netted with Jason Renshaw in reply for Cape.

Nick Walker, Cameron Dalton, Alex Woodcock and Dale Korie-Butler applied the finishing touches as third placed South Liverpool overcame neighbours, Mossley Hill Athletic, 4-3 but a goal from Ashville's John Davies counted for nothing, after a smart doube from Luke Finch steered Upton AA to their first win of the season.

Consistent performers, Helsby, savoured a 1-0 result at Hale, with Danny Cummins on target, while an Adam McArthy double anchored Southport Trinity to a fine 3-0 triumph at Blacon YC.

Elsewhere, the points were shared after a goal from West Kirby's Dave Bowe was negated by a reply from Chester Nomads' Simon Andrews.

Division Two pacesetters, Rainhill Town, suffered their first defeat of the season in midweek, after they were blitzed 6-2 by third placed Gateacre Village, but the leaders returned to winning ways on Saturday, after they overcame Ashville Reserves 2-1. Ryan Burke and Colm Lynch scored for the victors.

Second placed Heswall, were indebted to goals from Andy Kingham and Chris Tolley in their 2-2 stalemate with Prescot Cables Res, who hit back via Sam Gifford and Ashton Gibiliru.

Jamie English (3), Dom Gilchrist and Reece Beckford shared the goals, as Richmond MAGS humbled Maghull Res, 5-1 but despite a goal from Jordan Radford, Marshalls capitulated 2-1 to replies from Hale Res' Andy Ming and Graeme Walsh.

In the Wirral & District FA Amateur Cup first round, Heswall Res. scored through Gordon Harrison and Danny Read, but it was vistors Vauxhall Motors Res. who progressed, after Danny Norris (3) and Mark Lowe scored in 4-2 victory.

Extra time was needed to settle the issue, as Capenhurst Villa Res, with efforts from Phil Quilliam and John Waiwright beat Bebington Athletic 2-1 and it was curtains for Mersey Royal, who had Joe Hamm and John Firth on the mark, but went down 3-2, to replies from Willaston's Mike White, Jay Gardiner and Gabriel Sabo. Two goals from Lee Cairns inspired Neston Nomads to a 4-2 success over Ellesmere Port Town.

George Jones (3) and Jason Tucker (2) left their calling cards as Chester Nomads Res. romped home 7-0 against Hoole Youth in the Chester Challenge Cup first round, and it was celebration time also for Upton AA Res. who saw off Crossway 6-1 highlighted by doubles from Steve Millington and Gary Handley.

On the National scene, there was disappointment for Vaxhall Motors, who dipped 3-1 at home in the FA Vase first qualifying round against Rochdale Town.

South Liverpool Res. maintained their unbeaten record, and went three points clear at the top of Division Three, after Neil Roach, Ryan Cullen and Andy Shelton found the net, in a crucial 3-1 win at nearest rivals, Kirkby Town Railway.

Callum Laird bagged both goals as Ford Motors won 2-0 against new boys Everton PLH, while Bootle Res.' 4-2 victory over Belfry, was confirmed by efforts from Baba Contegh, John Prescott, Jackson Ellis and Dave Taylor.

Saturday's Youth Division action saw South Liverpool.Youth retain pole position, after goals from Ben Dixon, Alex Walsh, Alex Griffiths and Dave Mee clinched a 4-1 win over Litherland REMYCA.

Nearest rivals, Custys, won 4-0 at Belfry Youth, courtesy of a goal apiece from Shaun Smith, Leighton Smith, Rhys Hardacre and Jordan Howarth.

West Kirby Youth won by the same scoreline against Ellesmere Port Town Youth, thanks to efforts from Tommy Johnstone(2) Nigel Graham and Declan Kinnear.

Third-placed Chester Nomads Youth top scored, after they posted a 6-1 result at Hale Colts. Lewis Clarke and Scott Evans plundered two goals each.