Trademark Collections East Cheshire League

LINDOW failed in their bid to reach their second cup final this season as they were edged out 5-4 on penalties by Congleton Athletic in the Inter-League Cup semi final.

In the Premier League, Royal Oak's bid for the title took a blow as they were beaten 4-3 by The Bruce in a dramatic game at Congleton Road.

Ashley Hunt handed Oak the lead but The Bruce hit back with three of their own, two from Mike Hillyer and one from Rob Phillips to build a commanding lead.

Sean Gill and James Dumbleton brought the scores level at 3-3 but, in a final twist, Wayne Tomlinson hit a fourth to seal the victory for Bruce.

The destination of the title will now depend on the outcome of Oak's game with Rivals Phoenix, who overcame Bollington Athletic 2-1, next Wednesday.

At a rain-soaked Woodlands, two goals in the first half hour by Mike Murphy and Chris Kinsey helped Phoenix win. Despite going behind after only three minutes, Bolly had the majority of possession but failed to convert their superiority into goal-scoring opportunities, although Lee Etchells did pull one back before half-time.

Elsewhere Poynton Nomads A got over their semi-final disappointment against Bollington with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Robin Hood.

John Blissett and Simon Crossley headed Poynton into a two-goal lead before Dave Norbury hit a third in the second half. Lee McIntyre struck a stunning individual goal for the Robin but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Club AZ took a step closer to the First Division title with an impressive 6-2 victory against Poynton at Woodford Rec. Goals came from six different players: Rick Mottershead, Paul Condliffe, Jimmy Fairweather, Will Beighton, Mark Uttley and Steve Whitehead. Rich Cash and Dan Moult replied for Poynton.

Things do not get any better for Poynton Nomads B as they were easily beaten 3-0 by Old Vets in Sale. Three goals to the good inside the first half-an-hour courtesy of Tony Dawson and Ian Hunt (2), the Vets took their foot off the gas and failed to add to their tally in the second half.

Fixtures

Saturday, April 23 (KO 2.45pm) - Combined Division: Lindow v Phoenix; Nelson v Mary Dendy. Premier Division: Poynton Nomads A v Royal Oak; Robin Hood v Bollington Athletic; The Bruce v Offerton Villa. First Division: Boar Hound v Poynton Vernon; Juno v Old Alts; Poynton FC v Poynton Nomads B.