THE East Lancashire Football Alliance turned its attentions to the cup competitions as the league programme was put on the back burner for teams competing in the older age groups.

Rishton United Under 16s safely made it through to the next round with a hard fought win at AFC Darwen.

United are currently fourth in the higher Red league while AFC Darwen - flying high in the Yellow league with just one defeat all season - sensed a possible upset.

But goals from Matthew Ingham and Dylan Henry sealed victory for Rishton.

In the battle of the Red division and Yellow division league leaders, Athletico Knuzden remain on course for the league and cup double with a resounding 8-1 win against Clitheroe Wolves Yellow.

Blackburn Eagles Red beat fellow Red division strugglers Blackburn United 4-0 thanks to goals from Diain Bentley, Joshua Harris, Amir Khan and James See.

Colne Under 16s beat Padiham Saints 5-1 with Thomas Charnley, Owen Fagan, Levi Hart, Alexander Richardson and Alex Waring all on target with Luke Murray replying for the Saints.

Lammack Juniors came out on top in an eight goal thriller at Rossendale Valley, eventually winning 5-3.

Curtis Garrett scored twice for the visitors with Liam Owen, Joshua Thompson and Kyle Marsden-Marshall also scoring.

Ben Fretwell bagged a brace for the hosts with Joshua Kilburn also on target.

Tobias Hamer guided Clitheroe Wolves Green to victory, scoring twice in a 7-0 win at Langho Juniors. Lacklan Barnes, Morgan Coulston, Callum Thornbet and Alex Wilson also scored.

Patrick Fleming was the hero for Readstone U16s, netting a hat-trick in a narrow 5-3 win over Burnley Wolves. Joseph Turner and Matthew Smith completed the scoring.

Elswhere, Barnoldswick Town beat Haslingeden Juniors 3-0, Feniscowles and Pleasington won 6-1 at Blue Star Juniors.