CITY of Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Northern Premier yesterday, with an emphatic home victory in the 10A derby against Prescot Cables.

Fourteen minutes were on the clock when Elliott Nevitt marked his 50th appearance for the Purps by giving the hosts the lead. The in-form forward got on the end of a high ball over the Cables defence and lofted over the advancing Ollie Taylor to open the scoring.

The visitors then missed a golden opportunity to level from the spot as Purps debutant keeper Owen Wheeler saved Matty Hamilton’s attempt.

But, on the stroke of half-time, substitute John McGrath increased the hosts’ lead. The winger intercepted a poor clearance from Taylor, lofting an audacious effort back over the goalkeeper’s head and into the empty net from fully 35 yards out.

Midway through the second half, the Purps made sure of the three points from the spot — McGrath stepping up to send Taylor the wrong way for his second of the afternoon in front of a jubilant Shed End.

The result takes City of Liverpool back to 11th place in the North West division after a difficult festive period.