NINE Bolton sides set out in the Lancashire Amateur League Cup hoping to emulate Smithills who won it from a Division One position two years ago.

Six of them - including Smithills - went out at the first stage, the ex-holders battling out a 2-2 draw with Hesketh Casuals after extra time only to lose the penalty shootout.

A similar fate awaited Little Lever SC but it was even more cruel as they drew with Premier Division champions Rochdale St Clements only to lose on penalties.

The successes came for Bolton County, team of the season so far, who beat fellow promotion chasers Old Sladians 2-1, Hayward, who had a narrow win against fellow strugglers North Manchester, and Thornleigh, who enjoyed a 9-1 thumping of Division One Newman College.

It was sweet revenge for Thornleigh against a side which has been their bogey side in the cup in recent years.

Bolton Wyresdale and Old Boltonians suffered heavy defeats by fellow Premier Division side Burnley Belvedere and Walshaw SC and Rivington's miserable season continued as they went down 5-1 Tarleton Corinthians.

Two Second Division sides outside of the borough had a great day with Old Mancunians 3-1 winners over Mostonians and Spotland Methodists seeing off Chaddertonians 3-2. IN the PIONEER LEAGUE a second half hat-trick by substitute Aspinall gave Second Division Peels a 7-4 victory over City.

Ten-man City seemed to have the match under control until Peels made the tactical substitution which won the match.

Lion of Vienna continue their good form, moving into second place with a 7-1 victory over Great Lever while goals from Kirkham and Chester gave Samsons a deserved 2-1 win over White Lion.

Crofters and Seddons stay in touch with the leaders after sharing the points at 2-2 and Shamrock also stay on course with a 2-1 victory over Cheetham Arms.

In the First Division, Bowling Green and Lodge Bank shaded a seven-goal thriller with Bowling Green and White Lion LH continued their unbeaten run by beating Masons by 9-0 with hat-tricks for R Bell and M Bell. CHORLEY Nissan Sunday League results. Mitre Trophy first round: AFC Clayton 3 Leos 3, Brooklyn 5 Lamb A-B 1, Duke Of York 5 Chicago T 3, Market Tavern 3 Kelvin Park 2, Mitre 3 Farmers Arms 2, Waggon/Horses 12 Halfway House 0.

Division One: Euxton Mills 2 Coppul RBL 2.

Division Two: Golden Lion 1 Chorley Saints 3.

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