Michael Dodrass accounted for the Upton AA goal which puts the Chester club in fifth place in the Division One table, ten points behind leaders Runcorn Town.

Blacon Youth Club's depressing start to the season was compounded with a 6-0 defeat against reigning champions West Kirby who had Matty Cass, John Johnson, Dean Stewart, Kevin Ryan, Paul Casey and Robbie Stewart on target.

Blacon boss, Peter Hughes said: "It was a disappointing scoreline for us but West Kirby are a good side and they have a lot of good players.

"We didn't help ourselves at times and there can be no argument about the result, but we did battle in parts of the game.

"Our captain, John Dean, had another good game, and our lone striker, Will Collins, was named man of the match."

A solitary effort from Jerome McIntyre clinched all three points for Newton at Christleton.

But Christleton boss, Paul Hughes, was amazed that his side weren't awarded a penalty for a blatant handball in the Newton box five minutes from time.

He said: "Ben Carrigan met a cross near the end of the match and his header was clearly handled by a Newton defender. Everyone saw the incident, but the referee didn't award a penalty.

"I thought we deserved at least a point from the game because we gave a good performance.

"Adam Bedford, Kevin Garland, Steve Hampson, and man of the match Craig Warrington all played well, but we switched off for the Newton goal.

"I was pleased with our attitude and there were a lot of positives to take out of the match."

Maghull reserves' 2-2 stalemate with Chester Nomads featured a goal apiece from Jock Kennedy and Lee Lynan. Mark Crossan and Eden Fenlon contributed for the visitors.

A Mike Docherty hat-trick anchored Ellesmere Port reserves to victory against St Werburghs reserves.

Mersey Royal's 5-1 rout of Blacon YC reserves was endorsed by goals from Phil Owen, Mike New, Neil Smith, Dean Thomas and Kieran Delaney.

Division Two title challengers, Helsby, plundered maximum spoils from their trip to New Brighton and moved within striking distance of current leaders Poulton Vics reserves. Gary Lunt helped himself to both goals in a 2-0 triumph at Harrison Park.

The visitors' tilt was bolstered after second placed Ashville crashed 2-1 at Willaston. Dave Forbes and James Clare were the marksmen for the hosts, and Chris Dunne bagged the Wallasey outfit's consolation.

An effort from Grange Athletic's Chris Yew was nullified by a reply from West Kirby reserves' Adam Lea.

Division One leaders, Runcorn Town, stayed three points in credit at the top after Simon Barton (2) and Kyle Hamid obliged in the 3-0 eclipse of Poulton Victoria.

A hat-trick from John Gladwell steered Aintree Villa to a 3-0 victory over Halton.

Despite a goal from Andrew Bailey, Heswall's relegation fears worsened after they went down 3-1 at home to Ellesmere Port. Peter McNulty rubbed further salt into Heswall's wounds with a goal against his former club while Matty Forshaw and Steve Chambers also found the net.

A smart double from Jamie Kenyon was supplemented by a further goal from Alan Bull as Cammell Laird reserves posted a 3-2 win at Marine reserves. Luke Tonan claimed both goals for the losers.

At Rivacre Park, a goal from Dave Lynch failed to prevent Vauxhall Motors reserves from losing 2-1 to Maghull who went home three points better off thanks to efforts from Phil Kelly and Mark Parvas.

Division Three leaders, Runcorn Town reserves, had Danny Cummins and Peter Murphy on the mark but they suffered a 3-2 defeat at Ashville reserves. Paul Hayes, Andy Kingham and Craig Jones netted for the victors.

Second place Marshalls also came unstuck after goals from Jon Starkey, Dom Gilchrist and Elijah Barnett secured a 3-2 result for Richmond RR Jacobs.

Hale were indebted to goals from Wayne Smith and Ryan Cullen for their 2-1 decision over Southport Trinity reserves, and Manor Athletic's promotion bid faltered after efforts from Mark Bygroves and Nathan Rodwan steered Focus to a 2-1 triumph.