RYLANDS Cup holders Halton Borough Reserves were knocked out in the semi-finals by Daten Reserves 1-0.

Despite dominating the majority of the game, Halton were thwarted by an excellent goalkeeping display from Daten's Paul Kellet. The all important goal came from Darren Hargreaves.

Eagle Sports Reserves won the right to meet Daten in the final on May 8 at Grappenhall Sports, kick off 6.30pm. They had to come from behind to overcome Padgate St. Oswalds, Phil Needham having cancelled out an earlier Ossies effort and Marc Williams striking the winner.

Eagle's seniors moved into second spot in the Premier Division following their 5-1 demolition of Cheshire Grange. On target were Paul Lancaster, John Turner, Robert Hope, Paul Hornby and an own goal. Leaders Halebank won by a similar scoreline against Greenall Whitley, a result which puts the brewery side in the bottom three.

Mixed fortunes for the other strugglers. Despite leading 2-0 through Steve Grady and Steve Yeardsley, St. Michaels lost 3-2 against Daten while Halton Borough won 1-0 at Sidac Social, Jason Launder-Rogers netting.

The top two in Division Two were victorious. Widnes Albion succeeded at Safeways while Moore Utd won 3-2 at Burtonwood. One each here for Frank McQuillam, Rob Buchanan and Andrew Whatmough.

Division Three chasers Orford YC were indebted to a hat-trick from Liam Roche and one from Darren Walsh in their 4-0 success over Wood Albion. Village have to thank Shaun Woodward, Tony Wilson and John Davenport for their strikes in their 3-1 win over Greenwood OB.

The reserve sections saw Halton Borough's third stream draw 2-2 with Lymm Rangers, Barry Smith and Alan Green finding the target.

A brace from Chris Wilson and one from Trevor Carter gave Moore Reserves victory over St. Michaels 3rd.

Not a good day for St. Michaels as their seconds lost 3-2 at Golborne Sports, Paul Whittaker and Colin Craig getting their consolation efforts.

Haydock Reserves won 10-0 at Laporte 4th but the story behind this was the appearance of ex-Football League referee John Ireland. John was a spectator at the game. Match referee Peter Newton suffered an injury just before half-time so John was volunteered to take over.

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