Carlsberg West Cheshire League round-up with Ernie McDonald

POULTON Victoria's disappointment of the previous week's Pyke Cup exit was soon forgotten, on Saturday, as the Carlsberg West Cheshire League Division One side stormed into the semi-finals of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup. They humbled Mid-Cheshire League counterparts Knutsford in a confident performance at Victoria Park.

A sparkling double from Mike Riley was supplemented by further goals from Tony Sheehan and Craig Cartwright as Vics posted a 4-1 success.

At Gayton Park, Heswall once again confounded their critics and reached their second semi-final of the season, after seeing off holders Barnton.

Hat-trick star Kevin Ryan stole the show and was joined on the scoresheet by Mike Saunders as Peter Fearon's heroes celebrated a 4-2 triumph.

Division Two sides Pavilions and Upton AA have it all to do again next week after finishing 0-0.

All four semi-finalists will be West Cheshire clubs, after Cammell Laird, unbeaten away from home in any cup competition since October, 2001, overcame a spirited Mallaby in extra-time.

A Peter Hoy opener was overhauled by replies from Mallaby's Terry Cotgrave and Ricky Lampkin, only for a Faddi Hanna penalty to take the game into the extra period. Laird then regained the upperhand and clinched a deserved 5-2 victory thanks to a Ronnie Morgan double and a goal by Gary Reay.

In Division One, fourth placed Vauxhall Motors Reserves were anchored to a hard earned 3-2 result over Ashville thanks to a fine double from young Eddie Jebb. Stewart Wright was the other scorer, Ashville replying via Stewart Quinn and an own goal.

A Karl Thomas double was supplemented by a Kevin Patterson strike as General Chemicals beat pointless Helsby 3-0.

Division Two action saw Cammell Laird Reserves move into second place in the table, after Robbie Stewart, Damien Lepts and a Paul McDonald penalty secured a 3-0 win over Maghull Reserves, while New Brighton stayed in contention by eclipsing Mersey Royal 3-2 with goals from John Stanhope, 2, and Mark Robinson.

Merseyside Police paid Mond Rangers a visit - and came away with all three points after goals by Tony Murphy, 2, Dave Robinson and John Asquith confirmed a 4-3 decision.