NEARLY half of the fixtures in the CREWE REGIONAL SUNDAY LEAGUE programme were called off because of a wrangle over referees.

Only six games went ahead yesterday (Sunday) in both divisions out of a schedule of 11 matches due to an acute shortage of referees.

League officials are blaming the Cheshire FA's organisation of a new youth cup for both boys and girls involving several age categories which drew upon the list of referees available for Sunday League duty.

Crewe Regional Sunday League Secretary Dave Cooper said: "The County FA plundered the Regional list of referees, with only a handful remaining.

"It meant for an extremely fraught week for league officials. The upshot was that on a pleasant Sunday morning, early in the season with enthusiasm levels still high, 10 clubs, and therefore 150 adult players, were deprived of their game.

"Most people would say that this makes no sense at all, and it would appear to be a massive own goal by the governing body."

In those games that did go ahead, Premier Division leaders Crewe Athletic maintained their 100 per cent record with a 7-0 victory over Faddiley.

Nick Raymond, Callum Chapman and Jordan Amson each scored twice for Athletic and Luke Gillan was also on target.

Raven Salvador led against Broadhurst FC with a goal right on half-time through Robson Osman.

But Brad West hit back with two second-half goals to win it for the visitors 2-1.

In Division One, Audlem were in form in front of goal as they hammered White Horse 8-2.

White Horse arrived late for kick-off without their shirts, but levelled through a Ben Snee penalty after falling behind to an early Nick Gregory header.

But it was short-lived parity and Audlem regained the lead when veteran Andy Betteley netted following a flowing move.

Another old stager Paul Bowker increased the lead a few minutes later from close range.

Andy Betteley grabbed his second and home side added further goals from Tom Smart, Will Cork, Callum Mese and Ben Walker. Louis Everall scored White Horse's second.

Two of the new teams both got their first wins. Ruskin Park beat C & N Utd 4-0 with goals from Billie Joe Rogerson, Jarvis Jones, Callum Binner and Max Lewis.

Leighton FC also claimed their first win, a 2-1 victory over Nantwich Pirates, who remain winless.

The Leighton marksmen were Johnny Parkes and Dewi Lewis, with Anthony Broadhurst netting for The Pirates.

The game was refereed by unqualified official, Ashley Scoffin, who was thanked by both teams and the League for his contribution.

Results

Premier Division

Cheshire Cheese P:P Willaston White Star

Crewe Athletic 7, Faddiley 0

NHB FC P:P Betley

The Lions P:P Talbot

Raven Salvador 1, Broadhurst FC 2

Winnington SC 1, George & Dragon 0 (abandoned at HT)

Division One

Audlem 8, White Horse 2

Leighton FC 2, Nantwich Pirates 1

Princes Feathers P:P JS Bailey

Ruskin Park 4, C & N Utd 0

Winsford Over 3 P:P Cooper Buckley