Vauxhall Motors clinched the NWCFL Premier Division Title with a 4-1 win at home to AFC Liverpool on Easter Monday. 

 

Match report by Ethan Hoijord. Photo by Marc Gibbs.

 

Connor Harwood netted his side in front, with a diving header from a Michael Burkey assist and Burkey would get The Motormen back in the lead just before the break. 

 

Another strike from Burkey and a goal from Jake Parker extended the scoreline in the second half and news of a Wythenshawe equaliser against Bury AFC sparked celebration in Ellesmere Port on a day to remember for manager Mick McGraa and the club. 

 

Vauxhall started the game on the front foot, Ethan Gouldbourne and Lewis Buckley forcing Jack McGovern to make two good saves. 

 

It was Connor Harwood that would edge his side in front, fifteen minutes in, following on from great play on the wing by trickster Michael Burkey. 

 

Burkey crossed the ball in and a good diving header flew into the net. 

 

Motors keeper Sam Booth had made a great save to keep his side level before Harwood’s goal, he was called upon again when he made a full stretch from a glancing header. 

 

AFC Liverpool levelled the tie with great work from Billy McCarthy who stole the ball from a Vauxhall defender in the box.

 

Mccarthy turned away from goal briefly but then hooked a fantastic shot into the top corner. 

 

However, with a strike similar to the one seen in the win away at Winsford United, Burkey whipped a cross into the box, from a corner, which beat everyone including the keeper to end the half in the hosts’ favour. 

 

There was a slight bit of worry that the game would be postponed at the break due to the heavy downfall of rain, fortunately it never came to that but there was a slightly longer pause than normal. 

 

Mick McGraa’s men attacked from the off when play was resumed, Burkey’s corner being headed just wide by Marcus James before Parker put the next effort wide too. 

 

With a bit of magic, Burkey extended his side’s lead as he received the ball on the edge of the area and rifled his shot into the top corner. 

 

Jake Parker would soon net the fourth, beautifully linking up with Harwood. 

 

In the latter stages of the match, Midfielder Ben Holmes put the ball in the back of the net but it would be disallowed for offside. 

 

Celebrations grew around The VanEupen Arena stands as news of Wythenshawe’s late goal against Bury AFC trickled in, meaning that Vauxhall had won the NWCFL Premier Division Title. 

 

This achievement fully reflected the hard work that The Motormen had put in for ten months. 

 

Next season Vauxhall Motors will be playing in the Northern Premier League Division One West but their attention will now turn to an away trip to Avro.