Cherrybrook 2 Furness Cavaliers 5

TALENTED Furness Cavaliers Under-14s reached the quarter-finals of the Lancashire FA Cup for the third successive year after a comprehensive victory 5-2 over Cherrybrook in Wigan.

Centre-forward Moses Helliwell helped himself to his third hat-trick in the competition as Cavs over came tricky playing conditions and resilient opposition to book a last-eight spot.

Cavs face a tough away trip to BAEE Preston on Sunday, December 13 in a bid to book a spot in the semi-finals.

The visitors found it hard to pass on an overgrown surface in the shadow of the DW Stadium, but overcame the situation, with Lewis Waterston and Helliwell causing early problems.

As the half wore on, most joy was being found down Cavs' right, with Jacob Matthews and Carway combining well.

It was from this route the first goal came, with Matthews beating his full-back and putting the ball in for Helliwell to head home venomously on the quarter hour.

Despite staying on top for the remainder of the half, Cavaliers could not extend their advantage.

The visitors defended well as a unit, with the back four of Abe Brown, Sam Troughton, Ben Cairns and Ben Goulding outstanding.

Several of the opposition had experience in big academies, with one striker recently let go by Premier League Everton, so this was no mean feat.

The weather relented after the break, but for the first 10 minutes of the second half Cavs struggled to rediscover their rhythm and Cherrybrook enjoyed their first spell of pressure.

Against the run of play, Furness captain Cairns went on a typical barnstorming run upfield from centre-back, beating three players before finishing from 25 yards for 2-0.

The home resistance was killed off two minutes later when Cairns turned provider.

His clever through ball was collected by clinical centre forward Helliwell and placed beyond the keeper’s dive.

Cavs were in full flight and McGarry’s beautiful curled effort made it 4-0.

Helliwell then burst through only to be dragged down from behind 10 yards out, though no penalty was awarded.

Helliwell found his feet and beat his man again before nearly bursting the net with a left-foot pile driver to grab his hat-trick.

Cavs conceded two late goals to slightly spoil a triumphant trip south.