UPTON AA moved into the last four of the Cheshire County Amateur Cup after overcoming Altrincham Reserves in an entertaining quarter final contest.

Chris Coughlin scored twice, while Upton’s in-form goalscorers Lee Guirado and Joseph Ormrod added another one apiece to secure a 4-2 success which puts them into the semi-finals.

Speaking after the game, Upton boss Todd Reid said: “It’s a really good start to the year. I’m happy with us getting the win and especially with how we kept working until the very end.

“We started really well and took an early, deserved lead. We were comfortable throughout the game, but we proved to be our own worst enemy at times.

“We conceded both equalisers through mistakes of our own, first with an own goal and then by rushing a quick free kick around our own area

“But overall, we took our chances, and possibly could have had a couple more after we came close and hit the post on a couple of occasions.”

Elsewhere in the competition, there was heartbreak for Newton Athletic as their cup adventure came to an end at Heswall.

Following away wins over Dukinfield Town, Wilmslow Albion and Govan Athletic in the previous rounds, Newton Athletic were the lowest ranked remaining team in the last eight.

But Paul Owens’ Cheshire Football League Division Two highflyers ultimately came unstuck at the WCL Division Two league leaders Heswall who ran out 4-0 winners in the tie.

Reflecting on his team’s incredible journey to reaching their furthest ever point in an official cup competition, Owens said: “It was a great run, but it ultimately proved to be just one step too far for us unfortunately.

“We came up against some tough teams in the tournament that we played away from home every time, so we overachieved really in getting that far.

“But now we can turn our focus back to the league where we’re in a good position.”

Vauxhall Motors Reserves secured a 2-0 away win over Broadheath Central to join Upton AA and Heswall in the semi-finals, while Lostock Gralam saw off Ellesmere Port Town 4-1 to complete the last four.

Meanwhile, back in league action, Blacon Youth Club were narrowly beaten by the Cheshire Football League Premier Division leaders Congleton VR.

The home side edged to a 1-0 success over Blacon who were playing just their fourth game in three months after a series of delays and postponements to their fixtures.

Blacon, then, slip to ninth in the table albeit having played at least two games less than all other sides in the league.

In Division Three of the West Cheshire League, Stewart Jackson struck twice to help Poulton Vics on their way to a 4-0 victory over Chester Nomads Reserves.

Jack Ireland and Adam Walker were also on target for the hosts who stay fifth.