MALLABY moved off bottom spot in the Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division One, after a hat trick from John Hedges anchored them to a 4-1 victory over Southport Trinity.

Defensive lynchpin, Darren Pinnington, began a move in his own half and raced upfield to net his first goal for the club, as Mark Toner's outfit returned to winning ways in style. Tommy Hughes obliged with the visitors' consolation.

Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves returned to the top of the table, after they posted a fine 4-1 result art Capenhurst Villa while consistent performers, Mossley Hill, maintained interest, after they pulled off a hard earned 2-1 victory at Chester Nomads.

Third-placed Helsby shook off the disappointment of the previous week's defeat by humbling Newton 5-2.

Fifth-placed Vauxhall Motors stayed three points adrift of the leaders, when they chalked up a 3-1 win against reigning champions, Maghull and despite a shaky start, last term's runners-up, Hale, continued to show signs of improvement, following a 4-0 success at Blacon YC.

In Division Two, Vauxhall Res, suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of leaders, Rainhill Town, who went four points clear at the top.

Third-placed Gateacre Village dipped 4-1 at home to nearest rivals, Redgate Rovers, while Ashville Reserves registered their fourth win of the season, after they eclipsed Willaston 3-1.

Saturday's Haworth & Gallagher 1st round action saw Heswall Res. progress after they eliminated West Kirby Res. 3-2 in extra time, and it was celebration time for Prescot Cables Res, who secured their passage, courtesy of a 4-2 decision over Marshalls.

FC St Helens forfeited two points in their pursuit of promotion from Division Three, as a result of Saturday's 1-1 stalemate with Chester Nomads Res.

Sixth-placed Neston Nomads continued to climb the table after they beat Upton AA Res., 4-1 but there was no joy for bottom club, Mersey Royal, who scored three times but went down 4-3 at home to Capenhurst Villa Res.

The only game in the Youth Division produced a 1-1 draw between Litherland REMYCA and Hale Youth.

On Wednesday evening, Vauxhall Motors Youth carried the West Cheshire League's banner into the FA Youth Cup second qualifying round thanks to a superb 4-2 verdict over Padiham.

On the County scene, Bootle Res, Maghull Res, Hale Res, Marshalls Res and Kirkby Town Railway went through to the Liverpool County FA Junior Cup second round after they accounted for Rainhill Town Res. Everton PLH (CMSL) Wood St. MANWEB Res, Woolton U21's, and Blackbrook respectively while Mossley Hill Res. and Southport Liverpool Res. received walkovers.

West Cheshire sides, Maghull Youth and South Liverpool Youth progressed to the Liverpool County FA's Youth Cup second round after putting paid to Mitch and Belfry respectively.