ST MICHAEL'S were knocked out of the Derek Roylance Widnes Challenge Cup by Halebank.

Needing only a draw to reach this Saturday's semi-finals, they were beaten 4-0 by Halebank, who took the second qualifying spot behind Group One winners Cronton Villa.

In another big upset, Moorfield were beaten by Widnes Bayer but still qualified for the last four as Group Two winners with Village also progressing as runners-up.

Halebank had taken the lead through Richie Brotherston, who collected the ball in mid-field and watched his effort cross the line after some goalmouth miskicks.

Steven Lewis made it 2-0 for Halebank early in the second half and the more St Michael's pushed for a way back, the greater the risk as gaps were at the back.

The fresh legs of Halebank substitute Damian Carmichael exploited this with two late goals.

Cronton Villa - bidding for a third successive Widnes Cup triumph - saw off Avon Athletic 4-1.

Winger David Winstanley put Villa ahead and Kev Gould increased the lead midway through the half.

However, Athletic proved no pushovers and pulled a goal back thanks to a fine left-foot free-kick from Mike Farrell.

After the break, the away side searched for a third goal to restore their two-goal cushion.

Eventually it came - from Villa midfield general Ste O' Grady, who finished well after being picked out neatly by Winstanley inside the box.

The tie was sealed soon after with a fourth goal from diminutive frontman McCunnell.

Village snatched a late 4-3 victory in a Group Two thriller against Halton Borough.

A quickly taken free-kick from Ste Purcell had given Village an initial edge.

They followed up with an excellent second - Paul Crewe turning a Halton defender before firing home low.

With seven minutes of the first half left, Halton turned their threats into goals.

Firstly, John Martin beat the offside trap to pull one back. Then a free kick by Dave Barnes was met by the head of Mike Colebrook, who made it 2-2.

It was just as exciting after the break. Halton went ahead with a Paul Jones header from Jonathan Harrison's corner.

Village started to push forward and Dave Robinson equalised from a right-wing cross.

But Halton could not hold on. Craig Simm found himself one-on-one with Halton's keeper Jason Fogg who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

Widnes Bayer avoided the group's wooden spoon - this falling into Halton Borough's lap - with their unexpected victory over Moorfield.

Bayer's winning goal cam after just seven minutes - Graham Long beat the Moorfield's offside trap to slide the ball past John Kennedy.