RADCLIFFE Amateurs went through to the next round of the Lancashire Amateur League first team cup after beating Old Mancunians 3-2.

Amateurs twice came back from being a goal down but strikes from Hannah and Scully brought them level each time and, with the score being 2-2 at full-time, 30 minutes of extra-time was on the cards with the golden goal rule in operation.

If it remained level at the end of extra-time then penalties would have decided the outcome.

Fortunately for Radcliffe, Maffia scored a great golden goal within five minutes to take them through to the next round of the cup, which they hold from last season.

In the league, Rivington suffered a comprehensive 3-0 home defeat to to Gregorians to move them a step nearer relegation.

Gregorians dominated the early exchanges and took a deserved lead after 15 minutes.

The next 20 minutes were dominated by Rivington, who had two great opportunities to score from Dave Walker corners. Richard Boardman, in particular, was the width of a stud from equalising.

But the visitors Gregorians always looked dangerous and, on the stroke of half-time, they doubled their lead with a well worked goal.

Rivington, without the injured top scorer Andy Mason, started the second half nervously but gradually started to dominate proceedings.

Mike Higgins had a great chance to score from a Danny Purnell free kick but they were caught with a swift counter attack in the final minutes for Gregorians to complete the scoring.

Rivington have two games left and simply must win both to have a chance of survival. They travel to Old Blackburnians on Wednesday for a relegation clash.

Horwich came out 1-0 winners in their away clash with Heywood St James.

Their crucial goal came three minutes before half-time from a converted penalty by Nathan Ready after Darren Fitzsimmons had been upended in the box.

They defended their lead in the second half when they were put under severe pressure but came out worthy winners. Man of the match was Chris Brown.

The second XI lost 1-0 in the cup at Oldham Hulmeins and the thirds won 2-0 at home to Rochdale St Clements.