TWO penalties from JP Stanway helped Holker Old Boys move five points clear of the relegation zone in the North West Counties League First Division North, writes Steve Brennan.

Stanway’s efforts from the spot in the 39th and 41st minutes earned the hosts a 2-1 win over St Helens Town at Rakesmoor Lane, having gone behind after 14 minutes to a finish from Liam Diggle.

That result took Holker level on points with their vanquished opponents, along with them taking advantage of the side just below them, Daisy Hill, not being in action.

Vickerstown were also awarded two penalties in their 2-0 win over Poulton in the West Lancashire League Premier Division.

Danny Cummings was on hand to convert them both after Vickerstown’s most recent penalty taker, Danny Keenan, signed for Northern Premier League Division One West outfit Kendal Town.

Cummings, a true club stalwart who must be close to racking up 1,000 appearances since being at the club since he was nine years old, stepped up and fired home both efforts.

It was honours even in the derby clash in Division One as Ulverston Rangers drew 1-1 at home to Hawcoat Park.

Joe Tindale put Hawcoat ahead in the first half, but the dangerous Chris Bolton levelled matters on the hour mark.

Elsewhere in the division, Millom had a good 2-0 win at home to third-placed Lostock St Gerards thanks to goals from Ben McDonald and Phil Edmondson. However, Askam United lost 2-0 away to CMB.

Division Two teams Furness Cavaliers and Walney Island both progressed to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Cavs drew 2-2 with Galgate, with Tom Heap and Nath Shaw on target, so the game went to penalties and two saves from Kieran Roberts helped Cavs to a 4-2 win.

Joining them in the last four are Walney Island, who dispatched Garstang reserves 5-0. Walney took the lead through Kieran Sollaway, followed by man of the match Zach Walker bagging a great double.

Walney centre-halves Joe Pearson and Steve Brennan also got on the scoresheet.

In the only Division Two game of the day, Jordan Mason’s 88th-minute equaliser earned Furness Rovers a 2-2 draw at Croston Sports. Ryan Fagan got Rovers’ other.