S&AA bid for final success at long last

Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs hope to make it third time lucky in the Lancashire Amateur Cup final when they face Old Boltonians AFC at Leyland's County Ground on Wednesday (7.30pm).
Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs who have reached the Lancashire Amateur Cup finalSouthport and Ainsdale Amateurs who have reached the Lancashire Amateur Cup final
Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs who have reached the Lancashire Amateur Cup final

Their opponents are currently fourth in the Premier Division of the Lancashire Amateur League. S&AA have reached the final twice before in the last seven years – if successful they will lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

Southport have competed in six rounds to reach the final.

The competition – sponsored by the Blue Fin Sports Insurance Group –involves Saturday clubs affiliated to the Lancashire Football Association.

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The first round started in September and consisted of 116 teams, with 62 progressing to the second round, some with byes.

Southport won through against Burnley United, with 10 men left on the park due to injury, and won on penalties 5-4.

Next up was a comfortable 3-0 away win to Croft United, followed by a third-round home game against Read United, winning 4-0.

Wilbraham Club, from First Division of Mid Lancs League, were seen off next 3-0.

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And in the fifth round, Little Lever from Lancashire Amateur League were the visitors to the Ainsdale club, with S&AA winning 4-1.

In the semi-final, Hurlston Hall – a strong team from the Wigan Amateur League – were the opposition.

The tie was played at Skelmersdale United’s ground. S&AA were cruising, 6-1 up with seven minutes to go.

They made a number of substitutions, resulting in three very late goals by Hurlston to make the final score 6-4.