TWO of the Furness Premier League’s top teams locked horns in the Paul Wilson Trophy, as Barrow Celtic played Holker Old Boys reserves.

Celtic started the game the brighter of the teams, showing great energy and forcing Holker’s stand-in goalkeeper Nige Maxfield into a number of saves.

After weathering the early pressure, Holker’s Rob Parker hit a 40-yard through ball to Josh Woodend, who struck a stunning shot into the top corner.

Celtic reacted well and pressed for an equaliser, but it was Woodend who nearly doubled his tally as his effort hit the post and rebounded along the goal-line into the keeper’s hands.

In the second half, the game continued at a frantic pace and Celtic’s pressure was finally rewarded as some great pressing saw the ball fall to Sean Sweeney, and he brought the scores level with a neat finish.

The next chance fell to Old Boys’ Steve Forbes, whose header was well saved by the home keeper.

Not long after, it was Forbes again who beat the offside trap and slotted home the goal that turned out to be the winner.

The game’s physical nature continued until the final whistle and both teams were reduced to 10 men.

In a competition which has significant meaning to Holker Old Boys, it was captain Rob Parker who epitomised this and led by example throughout the game.

In the same competition, Barrow Island played higher-league opposition in Bootle and took them to penalties after the game finished 2-2 in normal time.

Mark Conlin and Ronnie Crompton scored for Island, while Steve Pritt and a 25-yard own-goal made up Bootle’s tally.

Bootle went through to the next round after winning the dreaded penalty shootout.

Bridge United ran out 5-4 winners over Barrow Wanderers, with goals from Reece Craig (2), Sam Davies, Tyler Silver and Josh Greenwood. Jonny Grimes, Matt Hargreaves, Ross Shields and Sam Johnson netted for Wanderers.

In the West Lancs Premier Division, Vickerstown faced the long trip to Southport with several players missing due to work commitments, but came away with a great 2-1 win.

After going behind after 10 minutes it was looking like a long afternoon was in store, but the traveling players had other ideas and Danny Cummings was at the double as he headed home a Dave Round Jnr corner for the equaliser.

With only minutes remaining, Cummings struck a sweet half-volley to give the home keeper no chance.

It was great all-round team performance in a game where the home keeper was man-of-the-match, and Vickerstown fielded a back four with a combined age of 136.

Crooklands Casuals entertained a strong Longridge Team and were beaten 5-0. Mike Hargreaves hit the post for Cassies, for whom Paul Wrathall, Callum Caldwell and Hargreaves put in battling performances.

Hawcoat Park’s Division One unbeaten tag went as they lost 2-1 at Hurst Green. Carl Mackay scored for Hawcoat.

Askam had an excellent 5-3 win at Wyre Villa. Callum Rayner bagged a hat trick – two of which were penalties – and Jordan Rayner and Huw Barton were also on target.

At Railway Meadow, Dalton United defeated Ladybridge 3-0, with Fazer Shand and Kurt Robinson on the scoresheet.

But it was Gareth Jones who took all the plaudits as he scored his 350th West Lancs League goal for the club. He could have made it 351, but missed a penalty.

GSK Ulverston Rangers were beaten 4-1 at home by Milnthorpe after going 1-0 up thanks to Matty Lawlor.

Furness Rovers and Furness Cavaliers played out a 0-0 draw in Division Two.

Millom were beaten 2-1 at home by Kendal County, with Ben McDonald the scorer.

Swarthmoor defeated Hurst Green reserves 2-1 and Walney’s game at home to Leyland United was abandoned with Walney leading 1-0 into the last 5 minutes. A Ladybridge goal was disallowed and the away side hounded the ref so much he called a halt to proceedings. The results if one for the league committee to sort out.

In the Rifleman Garage Furness Premier Division, Britannia were beaten 7-5 by Croftlands. Britannia’s goals all came from Andy Whiteford, while a Ben Mooney hat trick, Matt Dean (2) Dixon and an own goal made up Croftlands total.

Vickerstown reserves lost 5-2 at home to Millom reserves. Steve Brennan and Jackson Round scored for Vickerstown, but in a terrific performance by Millom, Chris Wood scored twice, Andrew Woodburn and Jamie Cairns and Town netted an own goal.

Furness Cavaliers reserves beat Furness Rovers reserves 2-1. Jack Elliot and Matty Gregg sored for Cavs and Austin Meadows for Rovers.

Kirkby defeated Walney reserves 3-0, with goals from Matty Bruce, Kieron Ottley and Andrew Benson.

In Premier Tiles Division One, Coniston overcame Holker Old Boys A 5-1 thanks to goals from Andrew Warne (2), Martin Wardle, Jack Harris and Phil Edmondson. Louis Vick scored for Holker.

Hawcoat Park A beat Dalton United reserves 6-0, with Craig Muncaster (2), Ryan Muncaster (2), Will Boulton and Callum Baines on target.

Ormsgill went down 3-2 to Haverigg United reserves. Ormsgill’s scorers Tom Dodd and Jordan Hoodless, with Anthony Foster (2) and Scudamore bagging for Haverigg.

Bootle reserves hosted a depleted Britannia reserves and were 4-2 winners. Alfie Baily (2) Tom Millard Chris Scott scored for Bootle, with Dillon James scoring for Brit in a spirited performance.

Millom A beat Coniston reserves 12-0 as Mark O’Brien (7), Steve Bradley (2), Ryan Edgelar, John Patton and Kyle Evans rounded up the dozen.

Crooklands Casuals reserves saw off Vickerstown A 3-1 through goals from Ben Phizacklea (2) and Terry Anderson. Dennis Tunstall was on target for the Walney side.

Holker Old Boys progressed in the FA Vase with a 4-2 win against Birtley Town. Jordan Brough, Sam Lightfoot, Jamie Pattinson and JP Stanway were the scorers.