IT looked as though the higher placed Liverpool Junior Cup opposition were going to over-whelm Borough, writes MICK MILLEA.
But Halton gradually began to take control of midfield through Gary Jones and Paul Withers while Jonathan Harrison and Dan Lloyd caused problems out wide.
However, on 35 minutes - against the run of play - Borough keeper Long was beaten by an 18-yard shot on the turn.
Halton continued to attack but conceded again before deservedly pulling a goal back on 80 minutes.
Mike Colebrook made amends for an earlier miss from a penalty awarded for handball.
Fearnhead Res 3 Halton Borough Res 2
BOROUGH found themselves two goals down due to shocking mistakes.
Lee Culleton then missed from the spot before MoM Anthony Sparks struck to offer hope at the break.
A Neil Law special got Borough level on the hour but another defensive mistake cost them.
Halton Borough visit St Marie's in the cup this Saturday while the reserves travel to Avon (both 2.30pm).
* Forty-year-old Karl Thomas showed all his experience as his brace helped Warrington & District League side Act R Sports to a 5-3 home win in their Grange Valley Amusements Division One contest against Croft.
Man of the match Mark Gallagher added one before turning provider for Dave Corley and Terry Lee.
Division Two's Rainhill Town Res entertained Whiston Cross Res with Jon Worsley and Adam Warland giving them a 2-1 victory.
Rainhill's young third string returned from Penketh United as 2-1 Division Three winners thanks to Graeme Gibson and Scott Thompson.
Moore United Res went top of Division Four - John Ellis, Dave Willetts and Matt O'Dwyer sealing a 3-1 win over Spartak.
Reigning Frontrunner Premier Division champions Rainhill Town progressed in the Liverpool Cup with a hat-trick from Liam Pearson and strikes from Ashley Elliott, Colin Gannon and Chris Lester.
