ANDY Ireland was the hero for Vickerstown as he saved two penalties to help his side into the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Amateur Shield, writes Steve Brennan.

Vickerstown came away from Fulwood Amateurs with a 2-1 win in the second round tie, with ex-Kirkham striker Sean Paterson on the scoresheet, and club stalwart and all-action midfielder Danny Cummings.

But the drama did not stop there as goalkeeper Andy Ireland kept out two penalties from Fulwood to help the visitors into the last eight.

In West Lancashire League Division One, Carl Waters struck for Millom in their 1-0 win over Kendal County - a result which sees them move to eighth in the table and only 6 points from an automatic promotion spot.

Hawcoat Park are only three points off the summit and have a game in hand, and will be brimming with confidence on the back of a 3-0 home win against Lostock St Gerards.

Hacken McCraken, Elliot Moore and Luke Mitchell all on target for the hosts.

Elsewhere in the division, Crooklands Casuals lost 1-0 at home to Eagley and GSK Ulverston Rangers lost 3-0 at home to promotion-chasing Stoneclough.

Askam United, with new manager Neil Park at the helm, lost 2-1 at home to bottom club Wyre Villa. Scott Paisley scored the consolation for Askam.

In a tight Division Two, Walney Island, who are in the middle of an injury crisis, managed to just cling on to top spot at Garstang reserves.

Walney were 3-1 up thanks to an own goal, James Bailey and Matt Lockley, before capitulating to 5-3 behind with only minutes remaining.

However, Bailey and Lockley rescued a point with virtually the last kicks of the game.

Furness Rovers picked up three points at home with a 1-0 win over Longridge Town reserves, with Nath Cloudsdale on target.

Furness Cavaliers secured three points on their own patch too with a 2-1 win over Charnock Richard reserves.

Jake Marston and Joe Blackshaw were the goalscorers, but it was ‘keeper Kieran Roberts who took all the plaudits with a man-of-the-match display.

Holker Old Boys had a day to forget in North West Counties League First Division North, going down 9-0 at home to Lower Breck.