VAUXHALL MOTORS still lead the way in the Northern Premier League’s West Division.

Veteran Kevin Ellison scored the only goal as Danny Holmes’ side won 1-0 at Newcastle Town to go two points clear.

Newcastle weren’t put off by the difference in league position as they came forward early on making use of the right wing three or four times with two shots on goal that both landed straight into the palms of Jack Atkinson.

The deadlock was finally broken after 36 minutes when the threat of Toby Jones’ long throw proved lethal once again. His trademark front post-delivery was flicked on by Josh Quarless into the path of Kevin Ellison whose acrobatic finish dropped over keeper Joe Slinn.

This goal from seemingly nowhere separated the two sides as a return to the changing rooms and a chance to refresh was welcomed by both gaffers.

Ellison was the troublemaker again as Motors started the second half much better than the first. Jawad Jebrin chipped a ball to Quarless on the edge of the box who knocked into the path of the veteran.

His strike looked goal-bound but Slinn was up to the task this time and made the initial save.

Slinn also denied Connor Rankin and George Nugent, but Motors did enough to take the three points.

The Motormen return to action on Saturday with a visit from Mossley to the vanEupen Arena.

In their bid to retain their West Cheshire League’s Division One title, Mossley Hill Athletic went top following a 4-0 victory over Heswall.

Aintree Villa forfeited ground in the title race, losing 1-0 to AFC Knowsley while fourth-placed Newton beat Ellesmere Port Town 4-2.

Nathan Clarke, Joel Woods, Adam Campbell and Eugene Irabor netted for the victors, with Ben Sweeney and Dan Richman on target for the Port.

The points were split, after an effort from Chester Nomads’ Brandon Dickinson was nullified by Runcorn Sports’ James O’Connor.

Third-placed Marshalls were 2-0 winners over Capenhurst Villa while Vauxhall Motors Reserves beat Rainhill Town 1-0.

South Liverpool Reserves saw off Litherland Remyca 3-1 while Division Two leaders, FC Kirkby, established a three-point lead at the top after thumping Aintree Villa Reserves 6-1.

Nearest rivals, Mallaby, were unlocked by a fine individual effort from Hooton’s Cole Saunders and it was a forgetful day for third-placed Maghull Reserves who lost 2-1 to Helsby Reserves, whose scorers were Adam Harding and Sam Telford.

A Jack Ledsham hat-trick led West Kirby to a 7-2 win at Higher Bebington Kelma who replied through Zac Prescott and Tom Jenkins.

Runcorn Sports Reserves and Marshalls Reserves drew 1-1 while despite a double from Cal Spence, Neston Nomads went down 3-2 to Cammell Laird 1907 Reserves.

Sutton Rangers went top in Division Three after Shakeel Sterling, Alex Lewis, Alex Morgan and Danny Lewis netted in a 4-1 result at Capenhurst Villa Reserves, who replied through Reece Bridge.

Second-placed Neston Nomads U23s had two-goal Sam Healy on target, but lost points after Willaston’s Danny Eastlands and Liam Smith scored in a 2-2 stalemate.

It wasn’t Cammell Laird 1907 U23s’ day as they were smashed 6-1 by Great Sutton, whose scorers were John Skipsey (2), Joseph Stephenson (2), Dean Wylde and Leon Jones.

Sefton Park Rangers routed Heswall U23s 5-0, Maghull U23s beat Rainhill Town Reserves 3-2 and West Kirby Reserves drew 2-2 with Shaftesbury.