THE St Helens Combination's under 18s squad grabbed a Lancashire County FA semi-final spot when the youngsters slammed the Bolton Boys Federation outfit 6-1 at Ruskin Drive.

The game attracted a fair share of spectators who enjoyed some great football from both teams. Unfortunately for St Helens, several squad members failed to show, leaving manager Joe Paladino with some problems.

But they overcame these and Matty Innes of Bleak Hill Rovers, started the goal trail. Soon after Graham Billinge, the young Junction star, followed suit and before half-time Innes had put the Combination 3-0 up.

The Bolton side had their moments but Ian Nicholson and his talented defenders kept them at bay.

Five minutes after the re-start Graham Billinge hit number four and then County FA player Jon Harper rattled in the fifth. Ten minutes from time, fellow County player Innes completed his hat-trick with the home side's sixth and final goal.

Bolton's 'never say die' attitude was rewaded with a consolation effort just before the end.

For the Combination, the defence, brilliantly marshalled by centre backs David Oakes and Steve Forsyth (both from Bleak Hill Rovers) had a great day, while talented forwards Graham Billinge and Matty Innes were unstoppable.

Saturday, January 6

N.B. Cup games kick-off at 1.30pm, league games at 2pm.

Garswood Trophies Hospital Cup 2nd round: Hammer v East Sutton Labour, Sportsmans Athletic v Travellers Rest.

3rd round: Rifle FC v College of St Helens, Earlestown v Junction, Penlake Juniors v Bull & Dog, Shoe FC v Sidac Social.

Star Premier Division: Carr Mill v Gerard Arms ( R. McClintock), Old Congs (Hay) v Nutgrove (G. Barker), Eccleston v Billinge (D. Deluce).

Division One: Billinge Res v Gerard Arms Res (C. Tunstall), Nogs Head v Carborundum (K. Shields), Hardshaw Argyle v Cowley Hill Park (C. Hale), Clock Face v Prescot Leisure Res (B. Teebay).

Division Two: Grosvenor Park v Clock Face Res (N. Hanmer), Bowling Green v Leach Lane (D. Pilkington), Pilkington A v Ramford Rngrs (G. Parsonage), Owls Nest v Rainford NE Res (L. Eaton), Cowley Hill Res v Bold Miners (H. Nulty).

Sunday Division: Bold Miners v Sutton Heath Panthers, East Sutton Labour v Deaf Sports and Social, Owens Corning v Bobbies Lane, Rose and Crown v Bleak Hill Rovers, York v Ex Services U.