BARNTON’S path to this year’s Cheshire FA Amateur Cup final has been made harder after they were paired with champions Heswall in the last four.

The Villagers, the first Cheshire League team to reach the semi finals since they lifted the trophy in 2004, will be on their travels to the West Cheshire League high-fliers too, date to be decided.

West Kirby host Vauxhall Motors reserves in the other tie.

“Every opponent will be a difficult one at this stage,” said Barnton co-boss Ian Ross before the draw.

“We’ll expect a tough draw because of the standard of teams that are left in the competition. All we can hope for is to be at home.”

Barnton have had to beat the best already to make it this far, sending out West Cheshire League champions Ashville after a penalty shoot out in the quarter finals.

They have beaten Shaftesbury Youth Club and Dukinfield Town in this year’s edition too.

Heswall, currently fifth in the West Cheshire League’s first division, were grateful to a double from former Witton Albion midfielder Richie Foulkes in a 4-1 win at Upton AA in their last eight date.

Paul Ellison and Paul Howell were on target too against their league rivals.

Cheshire FA Amateur Cup
Semi finals

Heswall v Barnton
West Kirby v Vauxhall Motors res