WARRINGTON Soccer League's Guardian Cup semi-finals line-up became a little clearer after two cracking quarter-final ties on Saturday.

Eagle Sports appeared to be coasting through against St. Albans Bank Quay after scoring two goals in the first seven minutes via Mike Murray and Paul Magee.

But after the early onslaught, St. Albans rallied. They dominated the second half and were rewarded with a goal by Heath.

However, Eagle held out in a thrilling finish to claim their semi-finals berth.

There was an equally tight finish at Downall Green where Irlam Catholic Club were seeking a semi-final spot for the second year running.

Newcomers Downall Green have shown great fighting spirit in cup competitions this year. They have progressed to a similar stage in the Lancashire Cup but although they posed Irlam plenty of problems they could not quite cope with the visitors' proven strike force.

Braces by the ever-reliable Lee Newbold and Daniel Butters guided Irlam through to the semi-finals stage.

Orford Youth Centre powered through to the semi-finals stage of the Depot Cup with an 11-goal mauling of Newton Juniors.

Jason Blenkinsopp grabbed a hat-trick for Orford while Dale Unsworth and Carl Pennington both claimed braces.

Darren Walsh, Mark Leigh and Mark Lawton also netted for Orford. Even goalkeeper Darren Perrins got on the score sheet with a late penalty.

Croft booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win at Village Social. Shacklady, two and Jordan were the players on target for Croft.

In a delayed second round tie, Leigh Athletic and Silver Birch served up a 13-goal thriller.

Silver Birch emerged victorious thanks to goals by Lee Brakewell, three, John Chandler, two, Brian Cox and Scott Charlton.

On the league front, high-flying Penlake powered to a deserved 5-2 win at improving Grappenhall in Division One.

In-form Gavin Thomason scored a brace for Grappenhall.

In Division Three, second-placed Matthiola's promotion aspirations were blown off course after a tight game at Appleton Arms.

The hosts gifted Matthiola three goals but responded with five of their own to claim the points.

In the Reserve sections, Eagle enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory over Moorfield Thirds.

Martin Bell, two, John Traynor and Mark Williams netted for the Reserve Division Two pacesetters.

Grange Safeway swamped Grappenhall with a seven-goal salvo.

Grappenhall responded with goals by John Rowlands, Brain Robinson, Rob Whittaker and John Peet but the result was rarely in doubt.