HELSBY went all the way to save their Cheshire Amateur Cup campaign, only to lose in extra time at fellow Division Two side Willaston.
The game finished 2-2 in normal time but Helsby were denied a place in the fourth round when Tom Coan netted for Willaston in extra time.
Connor Taylor and Nick Askey were on target for the visitors but a brace from Adam Johnson and a Craig Smith goal sealed victory for the home side.
Helsby return to league action at struggling New Brighton tomorrow.
It was a disappointing weekend for all Chester sides who were denied any representation in the quarters.
The third round saw Christleton lose 3-2 at West Cheshire League Division Two high-flyers Ashville, with a brace from Adam Johnson and a goal from Craig Smith sealing victory.
Elsewhere in the same competition, Upton AA were hammered 6-0 at Cheshire League Division One outfit Stalybridge Celtic Reserves. It leaves Upton to concentrate on the league, where they lie fifth, just nine points from the top.
Struggling Blacon YC slumped to their 13th WCL defeat of the season to remain second from bottom in Division One, this time beaten 3-0 at home by Marine Reserves. Rowen Garnett, Rickie Arnold and Carl Burquest scored for Marine.
In Division Two, Chester Nomads won 2-1 at home to Maghull Reserves thanks to goals from Mike Jeffs and Lee Owen. Upton Reserves drew 2-2 with Ellesmere Port Reserves in Division Three. Scott Cossins and Nathan Freeman were on target for the home side.
Blacon Youth Reserves fared worse than their first-team counterparts, slumping to a 6-0 defeat at Marshalls.
Christleton Reserves fell at the first hurdle in the Division Three Shield, beaten 2-0 at Richmond RR Jacobs. In round two, St Werburgh’s succumbed 2-1 at home to Manor Athletic. Shaun Campbell scored for Saints.
