HOLDERS Middlewich Town bowed out at the semi finals stage following an eight-goal thriller against lower-ranked Barnton at Town Field.

The hosts’ player co-manager, Kevin Towey, scored three times in a 5-3 win, while Leon Williams netted a brace.

Liam Collins’ double for the Witches, victors in each of the previous two seasons as well as in eight of the past 10, was not enough.

Rudheath Social have reached the final too, goalkeeper Matt Tucker turning hero after saving four spot kicks in a shoot-out success against hosts Lostock Gralam.

The teams had been tied at 1-1 after extra time.

Division One strugglers Lostock scored first, Sam Wakefield converting Alex Burns’ cross on the hour.

Gary Bryning missed from the spot for Rudheath, who did draw level with time running out when Matt Clarke found the net.

There were no further goals, Tucker’s heroics earning Steve Capper’s men a place in the final for the first time in their history.

“The lads played some fantastic football in a great cup tie,” said Lostock boss Ross Speight.

“It was always going to be tough on the team that lost, unfortunately on the day that was us.”

Mid Cheshire FA Challenge Cup
Semi finals
Saturday March 9
Barnton 5 Middlewich Town 3
Rudheath Social 1 Lostock Gralam 1 (aet, Rudheath win 2-1 on penalties)