Shepherd proves cup hero and villain for United

Mar 17 2008 by Andrew Moffat, Liverpool Daily Post

BOTH ties in the Vodkat League Challenge Cup semi-finals are left on a knife edge until next week’s return legs.

Winsford United’s Chris Shepherd proved to be hero and villain after scoring at both ends of the field. He put through his own goal on 29 minutes to give hosts Bootle the lead, which was doubled by the New Bucks Park side when Paul Hopkins struck the target on 71 minutes.

Dean Ennion reduced the arrears four minutes later before Shepherd redeemed himself by netting an equaliser in injury time to level the tie 2-2.

Maine Road and Chadderton fought out a goalless draw.

League action saw St Helens Town climb further towards First Division safety when hammering a freefalling Atherton Collieries 5-0. Rob Whyte and Andy Walker both hit a brace with a Neil Jones penalty completing he scoring.

First half goals from John Garnell and Carl Gornall gave Formby a 2-0 victory at struggling Bacup Borough, while Runcorn Linnets were unable to find the net in their goalless game against fifth-placed Flixton.

Adam White gave Ashton Athletic a 22nd minute lead at Padiham which was cancelled out by Martin Fletcher. But goals from James Lawless and Paul McVeigh in the closing eight minutes ensured the points returned to Brocstedes Park with the visitors.

No such joy for Ashton Town who lost 2-1 at strugglers Eccleshall, Martin Rigley netting.

Division One: Abbey Hey 2 Congleton Tn 4; Atherton LR 1 Newcastle Tn 2; Bacup Borough 0 Formby 2; Glossop North End 0 Salford City 1; Nelson 2 Trafford 4; Runcorn Linnets 0 Flixton 0; Squires Gate 1 Silsden AFC 0; St Helens Tn 5 Atherton Collieries 0.

Division Two: Cheadle Tn 3 Darwen 3; Eccleshall 2 Ashton Tn 1; Kirkham & Wesham 0 New Mills 4; Leek CSOB 3 Blackpool Mechanics 2; Oldham Tn 2 Holker Old Boys 1; Padiham 1 Ashton Athletic 3; Stone Dominoes 3 Daisy Hill 0.

Vodkat League Challenge Cup semi-finals first leg: Bootle 2 Winsford Utd 2; Maine Road 0 Chadderton 0.