SOCCER: Altrincham 2 Macclesfield 0

Teenage 'keeper Matt Higgins was thrust into the spotlight last night (Tuesday) - but couldn't stop Altrincham reaching the Cheshire Cup final.

Goals from Lee Poland and Rod Thornley saw Alty through with something to spare.

Both sides struggled to create chances in a slow opening.

Macc's Danny Whitaker had their first real opportunity in the 25th minute but his shot was saved easily by Stuart Coburn.

But within a minute Altrincham had taken the lead. Mark Sertori headed on Paul Taylor's free-kick, and although Higgins kept out Thornley's close range header Poland followed up to score. And Poland was involved in the second goal ten minutes before the break, sending Thornley away to finish comfortably.

Macc had a chance to get back into the game six minutes into the second-half when Whitaker burst into the penalty area and was brought down by Gary Scott. But Barry Shuttleworth's penalty was well saved by Coburn diving to his left.

MACC: Higgins, Bamber, Shuttleworth, Whitaker, Came, Welch, McAvoy, Munroe (Carr 65), Harries, Askey, Brackenridge. SUBS: Naylor, Morris.