Lancaster City 6 Belper 1

CITY clinched their second cup final place this season after battering Belper at the Axe on Tuesday night.

Paul Haddow's brace put City in control while Chris Ward, on trial at Birmingham this week, took it all lying down.

During another hat-trick he scored while on the floor to keep the Challenge Cup holders on course for a repeat.

After the game, Tony Hesketh looked forward to the final: "We don't know where it will be yet but I can tell you that we're certainly going to make a day of it."

The boss also looked to the Lancashire Cup Final at Chorley on Tuesday 24th April: "We're disappointed it's not at a League ground but we're not going to cry about it. Make no mistake, we're still going to enjoy ourselves and relish the challenge of Southport."

Belper's tiny travelling army were lively but they never seriously promised a shock.

Morgan's early run threatened but from then on City hammered the Nailers. On the half-hour, Sparrow set Potts free before the winger played to Ward and Haddow was first to the rebound.

Efforts from Ward and Butler kept on the pressure. A Mayers header was then blocked before Haddow pounced to volley his second from close range.

Butler was typically tenacious while Haddow's performance justified his selection ahead of Lee Clitheroe.

The City chief admitted: "I went for the ball-winner. It was tough leaving Lee and Phil Brown out but it's a problem I like having."

Brown replaced a quiet Welch and he helped create the winner. Haddow then crossed for Ward but the striker completely miscued and stumbled over.

However, the ball bounced back to Ward who gratefully directed it goalwards. Perhaps lucky but that's what happens to in form striker. A minute later Ward rounded the keeper for number four before prodding Sharrock's free-kick over Roome for the matchball.

In between, Smithurst claimed a consolation but Mayers soon struck from a corner to ensure it was nothing more than that.

Team: Sharrock; Rigby, Sparrow, Mayers(c), Graham (L. Clitheroe); Potts, Martin (Love), Butler, Haddow; Ward, Welch (Brown).

Blyth Spartans 0 City 1

CITY remain fourth in the League despite winning at Blyth last Saturday. Hesketh said that the victory was achieved through: " a gritty, workmanlike performance." Bishop Auckland's 5-1 drubbing of Colwyn Bay means they retain third spot.

The only goal of the game came just after the half-hour. That man again, Chris Ward, dribbled from the halfway line before striking beyond Burke into the bottom left corner. He did get a break along the way but his persistance was rewarded.

City's overall performance reflected this with the City manager saying, "the boys showed a real desire to win and protect the goal they'd scored in the first half".

As the Blues sat back, Blyth became more threatening. However, understudy Sharrock did well to keep another clean sheet.

Another run from Ward almost sealed it. This time Burke saved but Welch might have done better with the rebound.

Team: Sharrock; Rigby, Sparrow, Mayers(c), Graham; Potts, Martin, Butler, Haddow; Ward, Welch (Brown).