TWO goals in seven second half minutes by substitute striker Graham Lightbown sent Great Harwood galloping into the last eight of the Worthington Challenge Trophy.

With improving form over recent weeks, Great Harwood came up with a winning display which had boss Denis Underwood enthusing over the performance.

"I think we have been playing better of late and this time we got the breaks," he said.

"We got that little bit of luck when we needed it, but we did produce the better chances even though we probably had less possession in the first half.

"The second half started fairly evenly and then we brought on Graham."

Lightbown struck in the 69th and 76th minutes to put his side through and Underwood praised his striker's finishing prowess.

"It was a heavy pitch and I decided to switch Graham for Adam Tempest and they just couldn't handle his pace," he explained.

"If Graham had been on from the start it might not have worked, but with some players' legs tiring his speed was just too much for them.

"He took both his goals very well and it has given us a confidence boost.

"In some ways I was disappointed it wasn't three points in the league, but it puts us into the quarter-finals which will be played in January and it gives us something to look forward to."

Great Harwood's meeting with Prescot Cables tonight has been postponed because of the weather.

And Saturday's fixture list was also hit hard.

In Division One of the NWC League Clitheroe's home clash with Skelmersdale and Ramsbottom's meeting with Atherton LR were victims.

In Division two Darwen's trip to Bootle and Stand's home clash with Oldham Town also bit the dust, as did Bacup's home Worthington Challenge Trophy clash with Maine Road.

GREAT HARWOOD...2 CURZON ASHTON...0