HALTON sides came out on top in epic James Drinkwater Trophy second-round ties which went to extra-time.

But in one side's case, it was at the expense of another of the borough's contenders with Runcorn Albion losing 3-2 in extra-time to Halton Borough.

Moore United were a goal down to Division Two side Stockton Lane but equalised through Willott to take the game into the extra half-hour.

Not even this could settle the issue but Moore won a penalty shoot-out.

Widnes Bayer outgunned Greenall Vets 3-1 despite a Kinsey goal.

But in the Reg Oliver Trophy, there was disappointment for Ford Reserves, beaten 2-0 by Sidac Social Res.

On the league front, Hale-bank closed the gap at the top of the Frontrunner Premier Division with a 4-0 win at Fearnhead.

Leaders Penlake, meanwhile, were held to a scoreless draw by Downall Green.

Penlake are seven points ahead of Halebank but have played two games more.

Whiston are third, still level with Halebank but having played an extra match, after running out 5-3 winners over visiting Moorfield in an entertaining match.

Reigning champions St Michael's held fourth-placed Vulcan 2-2 at Widnes.

The Grange Valley-sponsored Division One lead-ers Rainhill Town romped to a 9-0 win over Greenall St Oswalds.

Cronton Villa maintained their fine form in a 4-0 mauling of Monks Sports, whose lingering title hopes were severely dented.

Vicars, who still harbour championship ambitions, won 4-3 at fifth-placed Avon Athletic.

Mill Brow threatened a Division Two upset against lead-ers Beechwood.

Leading 2-0 with goals from Dale Pickton and Jamie Donegan, Mill Brow were pegged back by a disputed 44th-minute goal.

After the break, Beechwood eased home 4-2.

Runcorn Athletic moved a step closer to the Division Three title with a 5-2 win at Village Social.

Most of Athletic's rivals are rapidly running out of games but Act R Sports stay in contention thanks to their number of outstanding fixtures.

Their latest result was a precious 3-1 win over Eagle Sports, which leaves the gap at 11 points although Act R have matches in hand.

In Reserve Division One, Halebank claimed the derby points with a 2-1 defeat of St Michael's.

Reserve Division Two's Cronton Villa crushed Widnes Bayer 8-2.

Moore United clinched a well-deserved Reserve Division Three win, thanks to a solitary Wayne Jones goal against Runcorn Albion Reserves.