Goldline Trophy Review by Martyn Hindley

THE Goldline Trophy - in association with the Bolton Evening News - encountered further shock results last night as Pennington were thrashed by Blackrod Town in Group D's clash of the titans

Blackrod ensured progression with allthe goals in a 4-0 victory coming from Tony Mercer. The visitors took thelead with a debated penalty decision midway through the first half and the margin was doubled when Mercer raced away from the defence and slammed home.

Penningtonentered the game unbeaten but were rocked on their heels by an elegant Mercer chip shortly before the break and a second penalty after half-time.

Another team tocement their quarter-final place was Atherton Town, whose 4-0 drubbing of an under-strength Old Boltonians side enabled the inauguralfinallists to progress as Group A winners.

Bolts' manager Peter Cooper made a substitute appearance in the second half, but it was not enough to prevent Town romping to victory through two Danny Christie goals andone each for Scott Hanson and Martin Littlewood.

Eagley will meet Charnock Richard in the quarter-finals after Golborne Sports' victory over Dobbies Veterans ensured that they made the knockout phase without kicking a ball. Golborne grabbed an early three-goal lead as a stunning Gareth Weigh drive from twenty-five yards was added to earlier strikes from David Buckley andStephen Torpey. However, despite the lead, Dobbies' made a great fightback through Chris Brooks and a PhilDonlan penalty before Andy Turner finalised a 4-2 win on the counter-attack.

Tonight sees a break from Goldline action, but it returns to local pitches with three matches on Saturday. Hindsford need victory at Elton Fold to grab the final remaining qualification spot in Group B from under the noses of Atherton LR, and Pennnington need to overcome Daisy Hill to make the last eight.

Monday's postponed game between Atherton Collieries and Prestwich Heys will be played on Saturday at 3pm. Other matches kick-off at 2:30pm.