CHORLEY boss Garry Flitcroft hailed the depth of his squad after watching his side clinch a place in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy final following a 3-0 win over Holker Old Boys.

The Magpies went into the game as overwhelming favourites against a side who play in the North West Counties League Division One - four levels below Flitcroft’s side.

And goals from Chris Almond, Jack Lynch and Matt Flynn secured a comfortable win and a place in the final against either Atherton Collieries or Clitheroe with that tie to be played on Tuesday night.

The result pleased Flitcroft, who made a number of changes from the weekend defeat to Gloucester City in the Vanarama Conference North.

The Chorley boss said: “We have a lot of games coming up so it was a chance to rest the lads that had been playing games and give the lads that have not some game time.

“A lot of lads needed 90 minutes and they have come through it. We have got a lot of games coming up and we are going to need them all.

“Some of the lads had not played for a few weeks. It just shows the quality and depth of the squad we have got.”

And Flitcroft can now look forward to leading his side out in the final on Monday, March 16.

He added: “It is a great occasion for the fans. It would be nice to win it again and winning breeds confidence.”

Elsewhere, Ramsbottom lost out in a five-goal thriller at home to Rushall Olympic in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division on Tuesday night.

Jon Robinson’s side went behind to a 16th minute Aaron Williams strike.

Jamie Rother headed the home side level and five minutes before the break Lee Gaskell gave them the interval lead their performance merited. But Alex Reid struck twice in the second half to leave the Rams empty handed.

Bacup & Rossendale Borough drew 1-1 with Silsden in the North West Counties League Premier Division.