HELSBY ended a six-year wait for silverware on Friday by winning the Runcorn District FA Challenge Cup, beating fellow Carlsberg West Cheshire League side Halton FC 3-0 at Pavilions.

Helsby came into the game in good form, having lost just one of their previous eight league games, so manager Matty Jones was able to keep faith with the players who had turned the team's fortunes around over the past couple of months.

Helsby's bright opening was rewarded after five minutes, man-of-the-match Gaz Gerrard rising majestically to head home Richard Keen's right-wing corner.

Right on half-time, a sweeping Helsby move down the right saw Nick Askey play a one-two with Gary Cottiga and, although his first effort was blocked, he followed up to give Helsby a two-goal interval lead.

Ten minutes into the second period, Helsby struck a decisive third, Askey's snap shot finding the bottom corner for his second of the match and 31st of a prolific season.

Skipper Carl Meharry raised the trophy amid jubilant scenes at the end, celebrations continuing long into the night at Helsby Sports Club.