AINTREE VILLA...4

BURY GSOB...2

A DISAPPOINTING display from the Old Boys ended their cup ambitions for another season as they were beaten on the Canal Corner ground at Liverpool Racecourse.

Although the side lacked Croft, Riggs, Wilde and Williams from last week's starting line-up, there was still sufficient quality in the ranks to mount a real challenge.

After a scrappy start, during which Crompton held onto a 20-yard free kick, and Myers fired over the bar from long-range, the Aintree side took command and opened the scoring after 15 minutes, with an angled free kick which curled directly into the net.

It was their strong, purposeful running which kept the Bury lads on the back foot, with the Old Boys contributing to their own downfall with careless passing.

Indeed, they were thankful to keep the deficit to a single goal as the home side repeatedly mounted attacks from all areas of the park.

A bright ten minute spell just before the interval offered some hope as Ian Brown had a close range effort scrambled away and then fired over after combining with Woods to create the opening.

The promise was not fulfilled however, and a poor second half dragged on with neither side capable of retaining possession and causing the goal-keepers very few problems.

Two goals in five minutes appeared to signal the end for Bury, and possibly start a rout in the final 15 minutes, but an immediate response by Woods, who lifted home Sharp's quick free-kick, brought the score-line to 3-1.

In added time, Stuart Brown headed home his first senior goal after the 'keeper spilled Bracegirdle's drive.

A 3-2 score would have proved a respectable and and almost flattering score-line for the Old Boys, and it was desperately disappointing to see them concede another goal, after the left flank was exposed with ease by the Aintree outfit in the final attack of the game.