Smash-and-grab Burscough leave Doble pig sick

And the first action of 2023 picked up where 2022 had left off, with thrilling matchups and scorelines up and down the divisions.

We start this week at Blackpool Wren Rovers, where the hosts appeared to be heading for a goalless draw with Burscough Richmond, with pictures from STEVE TAYLOR.

However, in the sixth minute of additional time, the visitors were awarded a penalty, which Raj Singh-Uppal converted to return his side to the top of the Premier Division table.

Craig Doble's men - like in the reverse league clash at Richmond Park - were full value for a point but again left empty-handed after an injury time sickener.

They themselves had won an injury time penalty to earn what looked like a 2-2 draw in the November clash before losing deep into stoppage time.

This time the boot was on the other foot as a spot kick from Singh-Uppal sparked jubilant scenes and put Anthony Murt's men in pole position in the title race.

Elsewhere, Whitehaven and Thornton Cleveleys played out a thriller, with the latter eventually triumphing 5-3.

Oliver Wilkinson scored twice for Thornton Cleveleys, with their other goals coming courtesy of Adam Sumner, Jake Mangan and an own goal.

Meanwhile, Whitehaven’s goals came through Tom Powell and a Carl Denver double.

Matt Van Wyk got Fulwood Amateurs off to a flying start against Wyre Villa, netting inside 60 seconds.

However, Martin Enow’s equaliser would secure a 1-1 draw and a share of the points for Wyre Villa.

Sam Parkinson’s late goal put the icing a 2-0 win for Tempest United over Vickerstown, that after Aaron Thorpe had opened the scoring.

And in the final Premier Division game to be completed this weekend, Turton won 1-0 at Milnthorpe Corinthians, with Sam Crook scoring the game’s only goal.

For others meanwhile, the new year brought old frustrations, with the weather delaying the return of many West Lancs sides.

Wet conditions led to the postponements of the following scheduled fixtures between Lytham Town and CMB, Poulton and Coppull United, and Slyne with Hest and Hurst Green.

Division One: Eagley make five-star return

In one of just two Division One games completed on Saturday, Eagley showed no signs of post-Christmas rustiness as they beat Hawcoat Park 5-2.

Eagley were powered to victory by goals from Kevin Myftaraya, Finley Stafford, Tom Morgan and a Bailey Wallace brace, whilst Mike Melia and Jack Milburn got on the scoresheet for Hawcoat Park.

Morgan Trelore was the hero in the division’s other tie, as his 92nd minute winner saw Crooklands Casuals win 2-1 at Horwich St Mary’s Victoria - their first points on the road this season after nine straight defeats.

The visitors had held the lead through an own goal, before Scott Adamson drew Horwich St Mary’s Victoria level.

But Trelore’s late strike would ensure Crooklands Casuals left with all three points.

The following scheduled Division One fixtures were all postponed: Askam United vs Haslingden St Marys, Carnforth Rangers vs Kendal County, Croston Sports vs Ulverston Rangers, Hesketh Bank vs Rossendale, Southport Hesketh vs Millom and Stoneclough vs Lostock St Gerards.

Division Two: Elliot elevates Euxton Villa Reserves

Euxton Villa Reserves survived a Dalton United rally to pick up three points with a 3-2 win on the road.

A Sean Elliot brace and an own goal saw the visitors take a 3-0 lead, before Robbie McMurdo pulled one back before half-time.

McMurdo would strike again late in the second half to set up a grandstand finish, but Euxton Villa Reserves would hold firm to claim the win.

Meanwhile, Bailey Kenny’s last-minute leveller rescued a point for Kendal United, that after Jordan Wilder had opened for Freckleton in a 1-1 draw.

The following scheduled Division Two fixtures were all postponed: AFC Blackpool Reserves vs Holker Old Boys Reserves, Burnley United vs Charnock Richard Reserves, Chipping vs Walney Island, Galgate vs Cartmel, Garstang Reserves vs Pause United and Storeys vs Astley and Buckshaw.

Division One Reserve: Hurst Green Reserves hit six

Hurst Green Reserves took centre stage this weekend, winning the only game played in their division by a 6-2 scoreline.

Gary Knight scored twice, whilst Louis James, Sam Whittaker, Jack Holligan and Oliver Parr also found the net in the victory over Thornton Cleveleys Reserves, who saw their goals scored by Tommy Dollin and Sam Cross.

The scheduled meeting of Lostock St Gerards Reserves and Fulwood Amateurs Reserves was postponed.

Division Two Reserve: Wet weather sees division washout

The Division Two Reserve league was only division to be completely rained off, with the three fixtures scheduled for Saturday (Eagley Reserves vs Milnthorpe Corinthians Reserves, Fulwood Amateurs A vs Chipping Reserves and Rossendale Reserves vs Hesketh Bank Reserves) all postponed.

Stewart Rowe Memorial Cup: Cardwell carries Horwich St Mary’s Victoria Reserves into Round Two

Two goals from Sammy Cardwell helped Horwich St Mary’s Victoria Reserves triumph 3-1 in their Stewart Rowe Memorial Cup First Round clash at Thornton Cleveleys A.

Cole Bridge also got on the scoresheet for the visitors, whilst Thornton Cleveleys A’s only goal came through Owen Mason.

Scheduled ties between CMB Reserves and Tempest United Reserves, Coppull United Reserves and Blackpool Wren Rovers Reserves, and Turton Reserves and Haslingden St Marys Reserves, were postponed.