Week 27: Summary
Mon 26th January 2026 | Match Reviews | By Martin Fallon
Weekend 26 saw action this weekend from the Fourth Round of the Isuzu FA Vase and all three divisions of the league.
Premier Division
Wythenshawe made it 14 straight Premier League victories as they consolidated their position at the top of the Division after a 3-0 home win over Charnock Richard. Aaron Dwyer scored twice in the opening 18 minutes to put them firmly in control with Darius Palma adding a third after just 23 minutes.
They are now eight points clear of Padiham, who went down 3-1 at Glossop North End. Jordan Schofield opened the scoring from the spot for Glossop only for an own goal to restore parity within a minute. Jacques Etia crucially put Glossop back ahead on the stroke of half time with Schofield adding his second penalty of the game on 69 minutes to secure the win.
Ramsbottom United are third after a 1-0 victory over City of Liverpool. It was a case of 'blink and you missed it' with Matthew Dudley hitting the only goal of the game after just 14 SECONDS! Burscough are flying high in fourth, their 1-1 draw with Prestwich Heys making it six games unbeaten. Louis Holt put Prestwich ahead on 20 minutes, with the Linnets hitting back to level on 71 minutes.
And West Didsbury and Chorlton occupy the final play-off spot, despite going down to a 1-0 defeat at Stockport Town. In front of a bumper crowd of over 500, Terence Benson-Brewer scored the only goal of the game after 14 minutes.
Litherland REMYCA remain at the foot of the table after a 4-0 loss at Irlam, tha their 26th defeat in their last 27 league games. Callum Sandle and Ethan Cartwright scored in the first half for Irlam who are just a point behind West in sixth, with John Johnston and Jack Mitchell both scoring in the second half.
City of Liverpool remain in the other relegation position, and the gap to Abbey Hey is just two points after Abbey lost at home to Longridge Town. They fell behind to Ryan McLean's goal five minutes from time, but looked to have gained a point after equalising through Adam Dawson on 68 minutes. However William Proctor's goal two minutes into stoppage time gave Longridge the win.
FC Isle of Man climbed three places to 19th after a thrilling win over South Liverpool. Sam Mullally put South ahead on 13 minutes, but goals from Stephen Whitley and Shaun Kelly just before half time swung the game the Ravens way. Neil Weaver levelled just after the break, only for Mullally to add his second just four minutes from time to give Isle of Man all three points.
FC St Helens romped to a 5-0 home win against Barnoldswick Town. First half goals from Christopher Hill, Thomas McNamara and Owen Collinge put them firmly in control, with Hill getting his another in the second half before Tom Lawless added the fifth.
AFC Liverpool made it 18 goals in their last four league games with a 4-1 home win against Chadderton. Trey Turner put Chaddy in front on 25 minutes with Andrew Starkey levelling. It stayed that way until ten minutes from time when Elliot Taylor put the Reds ahead. Daniel Mahaffy added a third on 86 minutes with Taylor wrapping things up from the spot five minutes into stoppage time.
Atherton LR beat Cheadle Town, Thomas Romano with the only goal just after half time. The final game saw Joel Booth put Euxton Villa ahead against Pilkington, only for Thomas McNally to level on 25 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
First Division North
On Friday evening, Droylsden climbed up to top spot in the First Division North after a 2-0 win at home to Daisy Hill, Caelan Kilheeney and Nellson Van both scoring in the second half in front of a great crowd of 660.
On Saturday afternoon though, Thornton Cleveleys regained top spot after coming from behind to beat Holker Old Boys in a thriller. Luke Davey put Holker ahead after just eight minutes before Daniel Stoney levelled four minutes later. Samuel Viegas then put Thornton ahead just before the break with Luke Harris adding a third on 73 minutes. Tyler Spence made it a tense last few moments with a second for Holker on 89 minutes but Thornton held on for the win.
MSB Woolton are level on points with Droylsden after a 2-1 win over Ashton Town. Daniel Squires put Ashton ahead on 34 minutes, before a Daniel Ventre double, the first just before half time from the penalty spot, gave Woolton the win. Such is the closeness in the First Division North, that this loss dropped Ashton from third to seventh, although they remain just three points off the top!
Nelson remain fourth, their home game with Steeton abandoned due to a player injury on 57 minutes with the score at 3-1. Bacup Borough are up to fifth after a 2-1 win at Colne. Callum Hewitt put them ahead after just six minutes with Regan Jarrett adding a second on 71 minutes. Ben Horne hit a consolation for Colne four minutes from time.
At the bottom are Ashton Athletic who went down 2-0 at home to Maghull, Darren Brannigan and Nathan Moffitt both scoring in the first half there. Second bottom Garstang found themselves 3-0 ahead at Squires Gate at half time through Liam Clegg and a Ben Turton double. However Squires Gate went nap second half, with two Will Squires goals followed up by a Christian Edokpayi equaliser on 65 minutes. Five minutes later Edokpayi put Gate ahead, with Ryan Riley adding another on 74 minutes to make it 5-3.
Maine Road are in the other relegation spot after a 2-1 loss at Darwen. Nathan Bond and Akim Samms put Darwen 2-0 ahead with Siraj Husseinm hitting a late consolation for Road. There is a difference of just one point between Maine Road and Colne in 15th.
Fulwood Amateurs won the Fylde Coast derby in comprehensive fashion. Louis Botes put them ahead on 19 minutes with Spencer Lucas adding another just after the hour. Two more goals from Wesley Enoma, the last a stoppage time penalty, gave them a 4-0 win.
First Division South
Leaders Runcorn Town saw their game at Foley Meir postponed, but they remain 13 points clear at the top of the First Division South after nearest rivals Telford United went down 6-0 to Sandbach United. Two goals from Joseph Bevan and another from Robbie Hatton put Sandbach in control at the break. Bevan completed his hat-trick on 59 minutes with Jake Pollard adding a fifth. Bevan then netted again, no doubt celebrating after being named the Player of the Month on Friday morning!
Third placed Eccleshall also saw their game postponed with fourth place Stafford Town slipping to a 2-1 home loss to New Mills. Saul Henderson and Maysan Benarbia put the Millers 2-0 ahead after 54 minutes with Patryk Mazurkiewicz pulling one back on 64 minutes. However Stafford could not find the equaliser.
Stockport Georgians, who were in fifth, we also casualties of the weather, allowing Sandbach to leapfrog them into the final last Play-Off spot.
At the bottom are Wolverhampton Sporting Community, who went down 3-0 at Shawbury United. Eric Mensah put them ahead on 40 minutes with Kyle Cassell adding a second on 67 minutes. Mensah then scored his second of the game to complete the scoring with ten minutes to go. The gap to Haughmond is now ten points after Mond won 3-2 at Cammell Laird 1907. Kian Garbett and Joseph Drakeley put them 2-0 ahead before Liam Owen pulled one back. Harvey eaewis made it three on the stroke of half time, with Adam Smith's goal on 50 minutes ultimately proving just a consolation.
Wolves Casuals game with Barnton was also postponed, with the only other completed game being Ashville's 1-0 win at Cheadle Heath Nomads, Ben Greenop scoring the only goal of the game with four minutes remaining.
Longridge Town go top of the form table after their 2-1 win at Abbey Hey. Photo from Kassidy's Photography on X!
Week 27: Summary
Mon 26th January 2026 | Match Reviews
By Martin Fallon
Weekend 26 saw action this weekend from the Fourth Round of the Isuzu FA Vase and all three divisions of the league.
Premier Division
Wythenshawe made it 14 straight Premier League victories as they consolidated their position at the top of the Division after a 3-0 home win over Charnock Richard. Aaron Dwyer scored twice in the opening 18 minutes to put them firmly in control with Darius Palma adding a third after just 23 minutes.
They are now eight points clear of Padiham, who went down 3-1 at Glossop North End. Jordan Schofield opened the scoring from the spot for Glossop only for an own goal to restore parity within a minute. Jacques Etia crucially put Glossop back ahead on the stroke of half time with Schofield adding his second penalty of the game on 69 minutes to secure the win.
Ramsbottom United are third after a 1-0 victory over City of Liverpool. It was a case of 'blink and you missed it' with Matthew Dudley hitting the only goal of the game after just 14 SECONDS! Burscough are flying high in fourth, their 1-1 draw with Prestwich Heys making it six games unbeaten. Louis Holt put Prestwich ahead on 20 minutes, with the Linnets hitting back to level on 71 minutes.
And West Didsbury and Chorlton occupy the final play-off spot, despite going down to a 1-0 defeat at Stockport Town. In front of a bumper crowd of over 500, Terence Benson-Brewer scored the only goal of the game after 14 minutes.
Litherland REMYCA remain at the foot of the table after a 4-0 loss at Irlam, tha their 26th defeat in their last 27 league games. Callum Sandle and Ethan Cartwright scored in the first half for Irlam who are just a point behind West in sixth, with John Johnston and Jack Mitchell both scoring in the second half.
City of Liverpool remain in the other relegation position, and the gap to Abbey Hey is just two points after Abbey lost at home to Longridge Town. They fell behind to Ryan McLean's goal five minutes from time, but looked to have gained a point after equalising through Adam Dawson on 68 minutes. However William Proctor's goal two minutes into stoppage time gave Longridge the win.
FC Isle of Man climbed three places to 19th after a thrilling win over South Liverpool. Sam Mullally put South ahead on 13 minutes, but goals from Stephen Whitley and Shaun Kelly just before half time swung the game the Ravens way. Neil Weaver levelled just after the break, only for Mullally to add his second just four minutes from time to give Isle of Man all three points.
FC St Helens romped to a 5-0 home win against Barnoldswick Town. First half goals from Christopher Hill, Thomas McNamara and Owen Collinge put them firmly in control, with Hill getting his another in the second half before Tom Lawless added the fifth.
AFC Liverpool made it 18 goals in their last four league games with a 4-1 home win against Chadderton. Trey Turner put Chaddy in front on 25 minutes with Andrew Starkey levelling. It stayed that way until ten minutes from time when Elliot Taylor put the Reds ahead. Daniel Mahaffy added a third on 86 minutes with Taylor wrapping things up from the spot five minutes into stoppage time.
Atherton LR beat Cheadle Town, Thomas Romano with the only goal just after half time. The final game saw Joel Booth put Euxton Villa ahead against Pilkington, only for Thomas McNally to level on 25 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
First Division North
On Friday evening, Droylsden climbed up to top spot in the First Division North after a 2-0 win at home to Daisy Hill, Caelan Kilheeney and Nellson Van both scoring in the second half in front of a great crowd of 660.
On Saturday afternoon though, Thornton Cleveleys regained top spot after coming from behind to beat Holker Old Boys in a thriller. Luke Davey put Holker ahead after just eight minutes before Daniel Stoney levelled four minutes later. Samuel Viegas then put Thornton ahead just before the break with Luke Harris adding a third on 73 minutes. Tyler Spence made it a tense last few moments with a second for Holker on 89 minutes but Thornton held on for the win.
MSB Woolton are level on points with Droylsden after a 2-1 win over Ashton Town. Daniel Squires put Ashton ahead on 34 minutes, before a Daniel Ventre double, the first just before half time from the penalty spot, gave Woolton the win. Such is the closeness in the First Division North, that this loss dropped Ashton from third to seventh, although they remain just three points off the top!
Nelson remain fourth, their home game with Steeton abandoned due to a player injury on 57 minutes with the score at 3-1. Bacup Borough are up to fifth after a 2-1 win at Colne. Callum Hewitt put them ahead after just six minutes with Regan Jarrett adding a second on 71 minutes. Ben Horne hit a consolation for Colne four minutes from time.
At the bottom are Ashton Athletic who went down 2-0 at home to Maghull, Darren Brannigan and Nathan Moffitt both scoring in the first half there. Second bottom Garstang found themselves 3-0 ahead at Squires Gate at half time through Liam Clegg and a Ben Turton double. However Squires Gate went nap second half, with two Will Squires goals followed up by a Christian Edokpayi equaliser on 65 minutes. Five minutes later Edokpayi put Gate ahead, with Ryan Riley adding another on 74 minutes to make it 5-3.
Maine Road are in the other relegation spot after a 2-1 loss at Darwen. Nathan Bond and Akim Samms put Darwen 2-0 ahead with Siraj Husseinm hitting a late consolation for Road. There is a difference of just one point between Maine Road and Colne in 15th.
Fulwood Amateurs won the Fylde Coast derby in comprehensive fashion. Louis Botes put them ahead on 19 minutes with Spencer Lucas adding another just after the hour. Two more goals from Wesley Enoma, the last a stoppage time penalty, gave them a 4-0 win.
First Division South
Leaders Runcorn Town saw their game at Foley Meir postponed, but they remain 13 points clear at the top of the First Division South after nearest rivals Telford United went down 6-0 to Sandbach United. Two goals from Joseph Bevan and another from Robbie Hatton put Sandbach in control at the break. Bevan completed his hat-trick on 59 minutes with Jake Pollard adding a fifth. Bevan then netted again, no doubt celebrating after being named the Player of the Month on Friday morning!
Third placed Eccleshall also saw their game postponed with fourth place Stafford Town slipping to a 2-1 home loss to New Mills. Saul Henderson and Maysan Benarbia put the Millers 2-0 ahead after 54 minutes with Patryk Mazurkiewicz pulling one back on 64 minutes. However Stafford could not find the equaliser.
Stockport Georgians, who were in fifth, we also casualties of the weather, allowing Sandbach to leapfrog them into the final last Play-Off spot.
At the bottom are Wolverhampton Sporting Community, who went down 3-0 at Shawbury United. Eric Mensah put them ahead on 40 minutes with Kyle Cassell adding a second on 67 minutes. Mensah then scored his second of the game to complete the scoring with ten minutes to go. The gap to Haughmond is now ten points after Mond won 3-2 at Cammell Laird 1907. Kian Garbett and Joseph Drakeley put them 2-0 ahead before Liam Owen pulled one back. Harvey eaewis made it three on the stroke of half time, with Adam Smith's goal on 50 minutes ultimately proving just a consolation.
Wolves Casuals game with Barnton was also postponed, with the only other completed game being Ashville's 1-0 win at Cheadle Heath Nomads, Ben Greenop scoring the only goal of the game with four minutes remaining.
Longridge Town go top of the form table after their 2-1 win at Abbey Hey. Photo from Kassidy's Photography on X!
