THE Crewe FA Saturday Challenge Cup threw up a remarkable round of ties at the weekend, with no fewer than 25 goals scored in just three matches.

More than half of those came in the remarkable 7-7 draw between Sandbach Town and Winnington Avenue YC Reserves.

Tied at 3-3 after 90 minutes, the game had already been packed full of incident, until the eight goals shipped during extra time.

Sandbach Town will be kicking themselves if they don't progress, as they took two-goal leads twice in extra time. But on both occasions, battling Winnington somehow clawed their way back into it.

The teams will now replay at Winnington on Saturday afternoon.

Despite losing out to the odd goal in five, Winnington Avenue YC could consider their match at Curshaws positively dull compared to the exploits of their second string.

Meanwhile, MMU Cheshire thumped six past Congleton Athletic, winners of last season's Junior Shield, to book their place in the next round in comprehensive fashion.

With cup action dominating, there were only two fixtures in the Crewe and District Football League on Saturday.

Sandbach United moved to first in the Combined Division as they beat Malpas 1-0 at Legends.

With only 12 players available, the home side still managed to create a hatfull of first-half chances only to squander them all, and in the end they were thankful for Dan Coppenhall's powerful header two minutes from time.

Meanwhile, Crewe Reserves won for the second week in a row as they just edged visitors Sand-bach 3-2.

That win moves Crewe up to fourth. nIn Sunday football, it was back to league action in the Crewe Regional league, and Bentley Motors certainly enjoyed their day as they hammered Faddiley 9-0.

Doubles from John Scarlett, Leroy Jones and Scott Edwards and further goals from Forrester, Larvin and Robinson did the damage for the Motormen, moving them up to top spot in the Premier Division.

Wickstead slipped to second on goal difference after they were held 1-1 by White Lion.

The Bank Regional beat Betley 2-0 with goals from Spruce and Bower and Jez Tag earned a draw for Crewe Corinthians after Harry Parker opened the scoring for Wrenbury.

Red Lion Wybunbury played some neat football but never recovered from a spell after 15 minutes in which they shipped three to Young Nantwich Farmers, eventually losing 7-2.

In Division One, Sydney Arms won the early top-of-the-table clash against AFC Barkode 1-0, Graham Maskery sealing a tight encounter.

Rimmer (2) and Adams helped AC Wickstead to a fine 3-1 win over The Express.

JTS Wistaston finally got a point on the board with a 4-4 draw against the Vine, Lee Breen and Rob Cunliffe bagging braces for JTS while Martin Serventi hit a hat-trick for Vine.

Fox Elworth and Railway Hotel also shared the points in a 2-2 draw, but Audlem DK hit Salvador for five as Luke Forrester grabbed a hat-trick.

Beeston Hotel proved too strong for Peacock Willaston Villa as they ran out 4-1 winners.

Meanwhile, in the Cheshire County Cup, Willaston White Star did the Crewe Regional League proud as they beat Barlows FC 1-0 away to book a place in the second round.

It was back to cup action in the Cheshire and Border Counties League, and PSV Alsager were on top form as they thumped Rode Heath 6-0, Baddiley scoring three.

There must have been something in the water in Alsager as Brown also hit a hat-trick as Old Corinthians beat Mere Inn 4-1.

Butler scored for Black Bear as they beat Brunel 1-0 while Crewe Athletic won 3-1 against Blazer with goals from Hutching, Bostock and Grimes.

In the weekend's solitary Division One league game, Scholar Green beat Military Arms in a 4-3 thriller.

In the Division Two cup, the Bank and the Oak ended in deadlock as Ollier opened the scoring for the Bank, only for his effort to be cancelled out by Ellington. The Eight Farmers and Leisure Club will also need a replay.

Three Lamps lost 4-2 to Haslington Villa as Butler grabbed two, and Lomas also bagged a double in the Farmers' 4-0 win over Boot and Shoe.