ONLY BOOTLE of the area’s representatives in the Vodkat League managed to progress in the FA Cup to the first qualifying round.

They defeated Padiham 1-0 in a close-fought game. Paul McDonald struck the vital goal to claim the £1,500 prize money and earn the Bucks Park side a trip to Buxton.

Runcorn Linnets could not come to terms with UniBond League opposition Curzon Ashton and went down 4-0, while Formby also bowed out following a 5-0 home defeat against divisional colleagues Colne. The same fate befell St Helens Town, who slipped to a 3-1 reverse at Bacup Borough, Tyson hitting a late consolation. League action saw AFC Liverpool maintain their perfect start to their inaugural season with a comfortable 3-0 success at Ashton Town. Goals from Martin Crowder, Ian Johnson and Dean Thurston ensure the Reds maintain pole spot in the First Division table with a three-point advantage, despite having played one game more than the chasing pack. Winsford United turned in one of their worst performances of the campaign to date and fell to a 2-0 home defeat against lowly Abbey Hey, who were picking up their first points.

Premier Div: Alsager Town 4 New Mills 1; Nelson 5 Atherton Collieries 0; Winsford United 0 Abbey Hey 2.

Div One: AFC Blackpool 1 Leek CSOB 1; Ashton Town 0 AFC Liverpool 3; Daisy Hill 5 Chadderton 1; Irlan 2 Darwen 2; Wigan Robin Park 2 Eccleshall 2.

FA Cup Preliminary Round: AFC Fyle 1 Sheffield 1 (replay Tues, Sept 2); Bacup Borough 3 St Helens Town 1; Bootle 1 Padiham 0; Bottesford Town 2 Flixton 2 (replay Wed, Sept 3); Brigg Town 2 Maine Road 2 (replay Tues, Sept 2); Chorley 0 Atherton LR 1; Congleton Town 1 Squires Gate 1 (replay Tues Sept 2); Curzon Ashton 4 Runcorn Linnets 0; FC Halifax Town 0 Silsden AFC 0 (replay Wed, Sept 3); Formby 0 Colne 5; Glossop North End 1 Beloper Town 2; Mossley 3 Ramsbottom United 1; Newcastle Town 0 Skelmersdale United 1; Northon United 1 Leek Town 3; Oldham Town 1 Rossendale United 1 (replay Tues, 2nd Sept); Stone Dominoes 1 Rainworth Miners Welfare 2.