Another dominant second-half performance was the difference yesterday as Mersey Valley hit Moore United for five to claim a big Cheshire League victory.

Baroudi replaced the absent Johnson up-front and there was a first start for fit-again Macaulay Dignan.

Mersey started well, pressing high and forcing early errors, Goldrick fired wide and Deering got free after a good move with Howarth but dragged his shot wide of the target.

With their first real attack, Moore took the lead. Dignan misjudged the bounce of the ball and Rigby was beaten to the ball and Rudge rolled the ball into the net.

This gave the visitors a boost and they enjoyed a good spell of possession, Rigby making a good save from McConkey.

The equaliser came and there was a huge slice of luck. Baroudi was fouled on the edge of the box and from the free kick, Niall Goldrick saw his shot deflect off the wall and wrong-foot the keeper to make it 1-1.

As with Moore when they scored, it was Mersey Valley who now had momentum. Riley and Deering combined down the right and the ball deflected clear off the post. Deering then again got in behind and from Baroudi in the box but his shot was cleared off the line.

The pressure finally paid as Adams found Deering in space on the right-hand side again, he cut inside and fired an unstoppable shot past the keeper to give the home side the lead.

HT: Mersey Valley 2 Moore United 1

Niall Goldrick, hat-trick hero

Valley started the second half really, Owen Adams could have had two headed goals in the opening five minutes but he somehow missed the target with both.

It was soon 3-1, Riley played a brilliant pass inside the full-back for Howarth to attack, and he pulled the ball back for Niall Goldrick to direct the ball into the back of the net. Woolley replaced Dignan at left-back.

The home side were in complete control but gifted the visitor a way back into the game. Howarth and Greenwood failed to communicate and Rudge burst through and kept his composure to finish underneath Rigby. Adams then picked up a needless yellow card for a silly challenge on Allen.

Baroudi created a brilliant chance with a superb first touch and pass to Deering but his finish was wide although he did seem to be fouled after he’d got his shot away.

Wilson replaced Baroudi who had worked hard all game and Adams again went close with a header.

The fourth goal arrived thanks to a great ball curled in by Evans, Goldrick stooping to head home at the back post to complete a very unconventional hat-trick.

Number five soon followed, Woolley finding Deering in the area whose clever feet created the opening and he fired past the keeper. It was too much for Dixon who was sin-binned for his complaints to the referee.

FT: Mersey Valley 5 Moore United 2