Into August

First a round up of the weeks first Goldline Trophy games. On Monday Charnock Richard became the first side to complete their fixtures as they took on Atherton Collieries at Alder House. Charnock, needing just a draw to secure a quarter final place, have been left waiting on other results as Collieries ran rampant and secure a 5-1 victory. In the nights other match, also in group 1, Stoneclough hosted Hindsford. This match was definitely one for the forwards, with the visitors securing a 6-4 victory. This result sees Stoneclough eliminated, whilst Hindsford are likely to need a win over Atherton Colls if they are to progress.

Last night saw one match each in groups 3 and 4. The group 3 match was between Daisy Hill and Bolton County. Both came into the game having had one match already, in both cases versus Atherton LR. Daisy Hill had lost 3-0 whilst County had managed a 0-0 draw. However these results turned out to be meaningless as Daisy Hill ran out 4-0 winners. This leaves Daisy Hill one point behind leaders LR, whilst Bolton are two further behind. These three sides all have one game left, in each case against Breightmet United, who finally kick-off tomorrow when the visit Bolton. I would expect the two North West Counties sides to go through, but Breightmet have their fortune in their own hands.

Finally to group 4. Whilst this weeks other three matches have seen a total of twenty goals, Elton Vale's match with Ashton Town saw just one, which gave Ashton all three points. This gives Ashton the lead of the group, whilst Elton Vale are eliminated. The next match in this group is tonight when Ashton Athletic host Tempest United. A Tempest win will put them into the quarter finals, whilst Athletic can go level with their neighbours Town with a win, and thus setting up a three way battle for qualification next week.

Tonight's other game is in group 2 where Euxton Villa host Eagley. So far both sides have secured a draw with Prestwich Heys, whilst Eagley have also been defeated by Atherton Town. Realistically both sides need a win if they are to go through to the next stage of the competition, although Eagley's need is more pressing as they have no more matches after this. In the West Lancashire league last season the two sides meetings saw Eagley win 5-1 at Euxton, with the return a 2-2 draw, so Eagley may have a slight advantage.