Bacup ease to Challenge Cup win

Just two of Lancashire's Vodkat League clubs remain in the Challenge Cup after the weekend's second-round ties.

Bacup Borough left it late to ease through to the next round at the expense of AFC Blackpool.

Martin Cosgrave put Borough ahead seven minutes from time, and a minute later Steve Smith added a second from the penalty spot to clinch a 2-0 win.

Ramsbottom staged a second-half fightback in a seven-goal thriller at the Riverside against Congleton.

The Rams were 3-1 down at half-time, but within the first 20 minutes of the second half Andy Sensale and Bernard Morley levelled the scores.

With just four minutes left Sensale grabbed what proved to be the winner with his second goal securing a 4-3 win.

Padiham were also involved in a seven-goal thriller, but went out of the competition after a 4-3 defeat at Irlam.

Goals from Chris Ridehalgh and Ben Stamford gave Padiham a 2-1 half time lead, and a second goal from Ridehalgh on 53 minutes appeared to have put them in the driving seat.

But the home side reduced the deficit within a few minutes, and two further goals in the last 10 minutes sent Padiham out of the competition.

After conceding an early goal, Lance Ogunyode pulled Nelson back on level terms at Ashton Athletic.

But after a John Luker own goal put Athletic back in front, three further goals in the last eight minutes sealed a 5-1 win.

Squires Gate never recovered from falling two goals behind inside 24 minutes at Bootle, and the home side scored another in the second half to clinch a 3-0 win.

A goal seven minutes from time knocked Colne out of the competition after a 1-0 defeat by St Helens.

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Vodkat League Challenge Cup - Second Round:

Ashton Athletic 5-1 Nelson

Bacup Borough 2-0 AFC Blackpool

Bootle 3-0 Squires Gate

Colne 0-1 St Helens Town

Irlam 4-3 Padiham

Ramsbottom Utd 4-3 Congleton Town