A DETERMINED display by six-man Edge Tavern could not prevent them going out of the Burnden Thursday Cup semi-final at the hands of Monteraze.

Edge were missing their normal keeper Gary Carter, but stand-in keeper Chris Holland put in a good performance to deny the Premier champs the feast of goals that they expected.

But goals from James Greaves and Chris Smiley saw the champs through to the final.

Burnden Wanderers beat Index in the other semi-final, a good, even game settled by a goal from Paul Swift in the third minute of the first half. Still a good season for the Index Boys holding their own in the Premier League and semi final spot in the cup.

Monteraze beat Burnden Wanderers 3-0 in a finely balanced final in which both teams created good chances. Monteraze took charge of the game with a goal either side of the interval, Jason Smiley the scorer. The Wanderers pressed forward and were unlucky not to reduce the gap but a third goal from that man Smiley sealed the game and a league and cup double for Monteraze.

Readey's and York got the Burnden Sunday Cup off to a good start with both teams trying to play good open football. To be fair, York probably had the best chances, but it was Readey's who took the lead with a great strike from Martin Grimshaw, a second from Sean Lennon late in the game saw Readey's home and dry.

The second Group One game brought together old adversaries Able Auto and Barnstoneworth United. Nothing much to choose between them and it took a somewhat lucky goal from Barnstoneworth's Gary Boardman to snatch the points for United.

Group Two X Records v Bolton Recreation was a very one-sided affair with the goals coming thick and fast, with the records registering the highest score of the day 7-0, goals from a hat-trick for Vijay Mistry, a brace for player manager Dave Lewtas and one each for Craig Murray and Steve Cumbo.

Boca Seniors beat All Nations 2-1 in a very physical game spoilt by some unsporting tactics. In the end, common sense prevailed and the right result came through. Goals from Dave Coltman and Russ Hewitt for Boca, Enzo Siggia for All Nations.

Sunday Premier League champs started with a very convincing 5-1 win against J C Engineering, Jason Smiley was among the goals again netting four, with one for John Whittam, Bill Courtney scoring J C's consolation goal. The other Group Three game also produced six goals. A shock win for Montserrat looked on the cards when they took an early lead through Damien Cusik but their joy was short-lived for Church Hotel player manager Shaun Rose led by example scoring three cracking goals, further goals by Andrew Morgan and sub Philip Turner completed the rout.

In group four Alliance Windows beat FC Elite 2-0. Elite gave a good account of themselves but found Alliance a tough nut to crack, both goals coming from Darren Newman. Alliance could go all the way if they can field their strongest team each week.

Pickerings Lifts beat The Farmer 1-0 in a good, even game with a draw probably a fair result but it's goals that win games, and Pickerings took the three points courtesy of a decent goal from Andy Cooper.