DESPITE leaving key players on the bench after a tough FA Vase encounter with Hallam, Colne reached the semi-final of the Division Two Trophy in a game that was as good as over after 28 minutes.

A quality strike from Carl Howarth gave them the lead after two minutes. It was 2-0 just 12 minutes later when Lee Coldridge fired home and a third followed when Sam Hayes drove home from the edge of the area.

A disputed penalty just before half-time reduced the arrears for the home side and Norton started the second half strongly to make it 3-2 on the hour.

Colne stepped up a gear and a great cross from Ian Simpson found Howarth, who despatched his second of the day.

A second penalty in the afternoon for Norton was saved by Ross Baxter before a Scott Gizon cross resulted in an own goal late in the game to give the Reds a 5-2 victory.

NORTON...2

COLNE...5