NEW year started with the outstanding Open Cup games and in the first round two late goals from Stumble accounted for Astley Bridge by 3-1.

Stumble grabbed two goals in the last four minutes as Ball, Darwen, Porter snr and Mike Berry found the target while Ian Shuttleworth scored for the Bridge.

Horwich Vic beat Market St Tavern 4-1 with two goals by Charlton and one each from Broby and super sub Crowther, while Harrison got the Tavern goal.

Ladybridge beat Beaumont 5-4 in extra time, thanks to three goals from Jimmy Reynolds.

AFC Heaton crushed Horseshoe 4-1 as Chris Dacey grabbed got all four, while Dale Porters scored for the Shoe.

Prince Rupert beat Darcy Lever 2-1.

In Round Two Hulton Lane B edged out the Royal 4-2 at Harper Green in a game of penalties that were given and not given.

Arkwrights needed just one strike to knockout Black Horse thanks to Ian Oldfield, who scored minutes after Ste Cunliffe missed for Black Horse.

Hulton Lane A beat Deane 5-1 with two goals for Moss and Nicholson, and one for Rice.

In the local Westhoughton derby Wingates and Greenfield served up a treat of fast flowing football in a 5-5 draw. Wingates were 3-1 down at one stage, and with minutes ticking away 5-4 down before up popped Steve Ramsden to score and give them a share of the points. Ramy scored four goals and John Sands one for Wingates, while for Greenfield, goals came from Ste Mellor (2) and one each for Robson, Adams and Burke.

T&S Northwest lost 2-0 to Clifton Rangers, with Trevor Walsh again getting both goals.

In the final game in Division One league leaders Britannia Farnworth beat Fox and Stork 6-0 at Barlow Park.