Hat-trick Wayne earns last eight spot for Alsager (From Warrington Guardian)

Hat-trick Wayne earns last eight spot for Alsager

WAYNE Brotherton earned Alsager Town a last eight cup tie on Saturday with a hat-trick.

Brotherton's trio came in a 3-1 League Challenge Cup victory at St Helens Town.

Alsager followed the cup success with a 2-0 league victory on Tuesday night.

They beat Nantwich 2-0 at home, Mitchell scoring on 47 minutes and Heler in the last minute.

Alsager are three points behind leaders Skelmersdale, with three games in hand.

The leaders dropped two points on Tuesday when they were held at home by lowly Atherton Collieries.

Alsager took the lead in the eighth minute on Saturday, Ireland finding Blackhurst wide on the right.

His perfect cross to the far post was met by Brotherton, who guided a header into the corner of the net.

Alsager failed to take further chances, and paid the price when St Helens drew level on 25 minutes.

They failed to clear the ball in the box, and Pegram nipped in to beat keeper McGing with a shot from close range.

Alsager were a different side in the second half, and regained the lead on 55 minutes.

Blackhurst broke clear and laid the ball off for Brotherton to score his second goal.

St Helens missed a sitter 10 minutes later when a player headed wide from 10 yards.

Alsager wrapped up the three points 10 minutes from time when Heler played Brotherton in to score.

Heler had a shot superbly saved by the St Helens keeper five minutes later.

Alsager meet Oldham Town in the last eight of the cup competition.

Alsager travel to second from bottom Atherton Collieries tomorrow in the league.