HAT-TRICK hero Mark Crossan cemented Chester Nomads’ spot in the final of the Haworth and Gallagher Bowl.
The West Cheshire League Division Two side brushed aside Ashville 4-1 in their semi-final match, with Kieran Smith also getting on the scoresheet. Tom Carroll provided Ashville’s consolation.
They will now face Division Two leaders Mossley Hill Athletic in the final.
Nomads manager John Cadwallader admitted he was taking nothing for granted.
He said: “We only had 15 players to pick from as they had to have played in at least four league games, so we were slightly restricted.
“The lads are training twice a week and we looked strong for the 90 minutes.
“The cup final helps morale but it’s a stumbling block in the league. We are now up to six games behind and we will be playing three games a week soon to catch up to the top.
“Inevitably there will be injuries and players who can’t make it to the squad on the night. Anything’s possible but nothing’s guaranteed, we’ve still got so much to do.
“Now is the time for extra determination and every game is going to be tough. So far it’s been a good season but we could still come away with absolutely nothing.”
In Division One, Christleton recorded their eighth victory of the season with a 2-1 win against Newtown. Sean O’Rourke and Danny Davies netted while Jonathon Wilkinson scored for Newtown.
Upton Athletic Association beat Marine Reserves 2-0 thanks to goals from Stuart Denham and Paul Broster.
Blacon Youth Club lost 2-1 to Vauxhall Motors, with Liam Gough’s goal not enough against an Alan Collins brace for the Motormen.
Helsby lost 4-0 to Cammell Laird Reserves.
In Division Two, Capenhurst Villa suffered another loss with a 4-1 defeat to New Brighton. Ryan Nicholl scored for Villa.
A Graeme Davidson double was not quite enough to earn Division Three side Christleton Reserves victory in their 2-2 draw with Mersey Royal.
An own goal in favour of Manor Athletic meant Capenhurst Villa Reserves lost 3-2. Chris Georgeson and Mark Hughes scored at the right end.
Blacon Youth Club Reserves enjoyed a 3-3 draw with Southport Trinity Reserves via a Damian Rowley brace, while Matty Vickers was on target.
Bottom side St Werburghs lost 5-0 to Ashville Reserves.
