CHORLEY, Clitheroe and Ramsbottom all reached the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy after midweek victories.

Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley enjoyed a fine 2-1 win away at Barrow thanks to first half strikes from Jack Lynch and Dale Whitham.

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The Magpies, who lost in the final of last season’s competition, are now favourites for this year’s trophy after the holders AFC Fylde were surprisingly knocked out on penalties by a Holker Old Boys side who play their trade four divisions below the Coasters.

Accrington Stanley loanee Andrew Dawber was the hero for Clitheroe as they overcame Nelson on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

The North West Counties League side took an early lead when Joe O’Neill bundled home just three minutes in after good work by Matty O’Neill and Peter Wright.

And Mark Fell’s side continued to be the dominant force in the first half but were dealt a blow midway through the second period when defender George Mellings was taken off with a serious knee injury.

Clitheroe, who play one division higher in the Evo-Stik League Division One North, sensed an opportunity and pushed for an equaliser which finally came 10 minutes from time.

Danny Brady was the man on target as he headed home into the top corner.

Dawber then took centre stage as he saved a late Peter Wright spot kick to deny Nelson the victory in normal time before making a crucial save in the shoot-out as Clitheroe ran out 4-3 winners.

The Blues will be joined in the last eight by Ramsbottom who battled to a 3-0 win over North West Counties League Division One side West Didsbury and Chorlton.

It took until the 81st minute for the Rams to break the deadlock against their stubborn opponents when Grant Spencer found the net.

Lee Gaskell made the game safe four minutes later and there was still time for Philip Dean to add a third in the final minute.

Elsewhere, Bamber Bridge knocked out Kendal Town after winning 4-2 while Atherton Collieries overcame Radcliffe Borough on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

A date for the draw for the last eight has yet to be confirmed.