MOND Rangers could come up on the treble chance next week after two cup semi-final triumphs in four days.

A hard-fought 3-0 win for the first team over Runcorn FA Saturday Cup opponents Runcorn Albion followed a 2-1 success for the reserves in the Carlsberg West Cheshire League Shield semi-final.

And next Wednesday sees Mond's senior side bid to secure a third final spot for the club.

They take on Upton AA in the last four of the WCL bowl at Poulton Vics - kick-off at Poulton Victoria FC is at 7.30pm.

The Saturday Cup semi-final took place at Pavilions in Weston Point, where both contestant sides are based.

Mond were made to battle by Albion who missed a penalty just before half-time when only one adrift.

The kick cleared the bar after Andy Tull had given Rangers a 32nd-minute lead.

Mond pressed in the second half but escaped when a Worthington corner was headed wide by Houghton.

Mick Smith got a second for Mond midway through with Mark Ingham volleying home for the best - and last - goal of the game 13 minutes from time.

Two goals in a minute by Matty Nelson had set up Mond Rangers Res for a Shield victory over their New Brighton counterparts at Poulton Victoria last Wednesday.

Having got his sighter as early as the fourth minute, when he hit a shot straight at the goalkeeper when clean through, Nelson struck in the 14th and 15th minutes.

Mond could have been further ahead but for two superb balls by Ged Bushell eluding Eddie Droughton and Nelson while Howard fired wide from a good position.

However, New Brighton missed a clear opportunity when a cross was headed over the bar.

The second half saw the Wirral side enjoy more possession but Cogswell was outstanding for Mond.

Nelson was unlucky not to complete a hat-trick but after rounding the keeper, he saw his shot cleared from the goalline.

New Brighton pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute but Mond held on for a deserved victory.

This Saturday, Mond are at home to Upton AA in a West Cheshire League Division Two game at Pavilions (ko 2pm).

Mond Res visit Halebank in the Guardian Cup semi-final at Leigh Recreation Ground, ko 2pm.

The weekend's other Runcorn & District Saturday Cup semi-final between Helsby and RJM, also scheduled for Pavilions, was postponed.