ASHVILLE made it a trio of Carlsberg West Cheshire League Division clubs through to the Cheshire County FA's Amateur Cup semi-finals, but had to pull out all the stops before they overcame Division Two title favourites Capenhurst Villa in extra time on an energy sapping Villa Park pitch

With the entire Division One programme washed out, an appreciative crowd saw the Division Two outfit more than hold their own in a competitive firs-half.

But it was the hosts who drew first blood when Paul Howell headed home at the far post on 41 minutes after the visitors had failed to deal with a corner kick.

Grit and determination became Cape's second-half philosophy, and their efforts were rewarded when a late Mike Banks header took the tie into extra time.

There was to be no fairy tale ending however, after the Division One side drew on their experience and took their chances to emerge 4-1 victors courtesy of further goals from Paul Howell, Dave Rudge and a James Clare penalty.

On the domestic scene, Richmond RR Mags assumed pole position in the Division Two promotion race after they romped home 7-0 against Bebington Athletic.

A four-goal salvo from Jay O'Donnell was supplemented by further efforts from Ally Birmingham, Brad Thompson and Chris Evans, as Jimmy Woods's charges went two points clear at the top.

Luckless Mersey Royal were second best at third placed Gateacre Village, who sealed a 10-0 triumph, with goals from Sam Gainer (2), Kieran Owens (2), Jordan Whelan (2), Ian Lewis, Anthony Scotland, Kurtis Owens and Joe Connolly.

Helsby's gallop was checked after they finished 1-1 at Marhalls. Dale Hodge obliged for the home side, with Matty Johnson in reply for the visitors.

Manor Athletic also forfeited ground after they went down 3-1 at Maghull Reserves.

Dave Hughes, Chris Nation and Mike McGinn were on target for the winners. Tommy Carroll netted Manor's consolation.

Elsewhere, honours were shared after a smart double from Prescot Cables Reserves' Sam Gifford was negated by replies from Willaston's Andy Noonan and Billy New.

In Division Three, leaders Rainhill Town extended their advantage to seven points after they eclipsed Christleton Reserves 5-0, inspired by doubles from Dan Leather and Matt Dooling. Colin Lynch also made the scoresheet.

Hale Reserves climbed to fourth place and stayed on course for a promotion spot when Tom Askew, Colin Mee and Jack Walker scored in the 3-2 decision over Chester Nomads Reserves, who hit back through Alan Bond and an own-goal.

Mark Brady (2) and Tom Seddon scored for Belfry, who overcame Marshalls Reserves by the same scoreline.

Danny Forrester and Tom Pepper were the visitors' marksmen, while John Humphreys and Sean Harrod were the respective scorers in Kirkby Town Railway's 1-1 stalemate with Neston Nomads.