THE BSL Open Cup Final saw Billy Howcroft score the only goal of a rather dull game at the LFA headquarters County Ground to give Bowling Green a narrow 1-0 victory over big rivals Bolton Castle.

The two returned to Premier Division action on Sunday with the cup winners celebrating again as two Dave Hilton goals earned a 2-1 home win over Radcliffe Amateurs, Dave Greeson getting the reply.

Meanwhile Castle beat Howcroft 4-2.

In Division One Howcroft OB stay top of the shop with goals from Ricky Samuels (2), Alan Mitchell and Ernu Blaskovich sealing a 4-1 away win at Hare and Hounds, Roger Peak the home team scorer.

Victory are finally living up to their name this season as they won again 6-3 away at Gilnow Vets. Dave Pickering got three but finished on the losing side as Gary and Ian Oldfield scored twice for the winners and Craig Conway and Jermain Samuels once.

Andy Wilson was another weekend hat-trick man with all three for Bibbys in a 3-2 win at Jolly Waggoner, Martin Scott got both for the losers. Mick Peake bagged three and Martin Walker one in Church Inn's 4-0 Farnworth Royales.

Clear leaders

Windowplas are now a massive 12 points clear in Division Two following Sunday's 6-1 home win over Red Lion with goals flowing from Alan Kenny, Ralph Dixon, Andrew Jackson, Mick Wright and Chris Smith plus one from Kevin Eagan - unfortunately in his own net!

Paul Shiel (2), Les Brown and Paul Lynch saw Greenfield to a 4-3 home win over Farmers Arms. FC Baroc had a good day with a 7-0 win over Vertex, courtesy of Garry Coyle (3), Jema Armadi, Clint Aspinall, Stewart Kirkman and Dean Smith.

Tony Munroe scored all of his team's goals in F&K Dynamoes 4-4 draw at Clifton Rangers, Jamie Taylor (2), Gary French and Robert Pugh on the mark for the home team. Wellington look as though they've sprung a leak as they stay bottom of the table after a 3-0 home defeat by Hare and Hounds (Breightmet).

With the weather still causing cancellation of games it looks almost certain that the divisional cup competitions will be abandoned this season. Secretary Alan Johnson explained: "It already looks definite that we will be playing up to the end of May and there's good chance of spilling over into June.

Bolton Parks are closing some pitches on May 16 for essential work but leaving others open for us. We have discussed playing the cup competitions at the start of next season which seems a good idea."