THE St Helens Combination was badly hit as the council took an early decision to close its pitches.

But in games played Broad Oak suffered a 6-1 reverse at the hands of Liverpool Nalgo Reserves in the Liverpool FA Intermediate Cup.

Their consolation goal came from Paul Hopwood.

The Rainford Potteries Cup semi-final between Carr Mill Reserves and Clock Face Reserves was switched to Clock Face at the request of both clubs.

And a tough struggle saw Carr Mill win 3-2 after extra time. But Clock's 2-1 win in the first leg meant a penalty shoot-out.

And Clock kept their nerve to go through. Carr Mill's earlier scorers were Chris Pimblett (2) and Micky Feeney.

Clock will now meet the winners of the Rainford North End Res v Pilkington A semi-final. Meanwhile, Pilkington Reserves drew 2-2 with Carr Mill in the St Helens Star Premier Division. Pilks' marksmen were Barrie Devlin and Dave Bolton.

In Division One Martin Leigh was on target for Sportsmans in their 1-1 home draw with Billinge.

Goals by Gary Hughes (2) and Ian Hughes gave Eccleston United a 3-2 home win over Clock Face.

In Division Two Kendricks Cross (Dave Pates, Kev Rawlinson and Kev Jones) beat Top Nogs.

The only Division Three game saw Seba Doughty grab a hat-trick and Nick Chisnall score another as Trees beat Rainford North End Reserves (Shaun Pierce and Mark Abbott).

League president Bert Rawsthorne and chairman Eric Bond would like to wish all management officials, referees, club pfficials and players a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

RESULTS

Liverpool CFA Intermediate Cup: Liverpool Nalgo Reserves 6 Broad Oak 1.

Rainford Potteries Cup semi-final: Carr Mill Reserves 3 Clock Face Reserves 2 (after extra time) (Clock win on penalties).

St Helens Star Premier Division: Pilkington Reserves 2 Carr Mill 2.

Division One: Sportsmans Athletic 1 Billinge 1, Eccleston United 3 Clock Face 2.

Division Two: Kendricks Cross 3 Top Nogs 1.

Division Three: Trees 4 Rainford North End Reserves 2.

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