STUART Wellstead’s hat-trick sent 1874 Northwich through to the semi finals, though their passage was not safe until the latter stages of a close contest.

They breathed easier once David Short glanced in Lee Duckworth’s cross with three minutes left.

Before that, Cheshire League underdogs Rudheath had twice come back to level the score against hosts that made nine changes to the team that started Saturday’s league win at Silsden.

Wellstead skipped around goalkeeper Chris Jones to put Ian Street’s men in front after 13 minutes, then almost doubled his personal tally when he fired narrowly wide shortly afterwards.

Rudheath equalised five minutes before the break when captain Paul Alcock headed past stand-in custodian James Fossdyke from a set piece.

They might have taken the lead had Matty Clarke not fluffed a chance created for him by Andy Whitney, a miss they paid for when Wellstead punished a mistake by Jones.

Jackson made it 2-2 when his shot squirmed in off an upright, though Wellstead headed his – and 1874’s – third goal on 70 minutes to put the hosts ahead a third time.

Short stooped to settle the outcome, sending 1874 through to the last four with holders Winsford and Witton.

1874 Fossdyke (GK), Pena, Duckworth, McGrath, Aston (Mitchell 63), Lee Jones, Crofts (Woods 70), Gill, Short, Wellstead (Brandon 78), Stewart Subs not used Bowyer, Woolley Goals Wellstead 13, 58, 70 Short 87

Rudheath Chris Jones (GK), Abson, Newman, Paul Alcock, Shaun Alcock, Latham, Humphries, Aidley, Jackson, Whitney, Clarke Subs Gregory, Warburton, Millington, Didsbury Goals Paul Alcock 40, Jackson 62

Referee Paul Johnson

Attendance 162