CUDDINGTON recovered a two-goal deficit in the closing stages to reach the Crewe and East Cheshire Inter-League Cup last four on Saturday, writes Matt Eagles.

Their reward is a home date with FC Flyers, runners-up last season, in this weekend’s semi finals.

The Crewe and District League champions almost came a cropper at Woodford, trailing 4-2 with 10 minutes left before late goals from Adam Bettley and Jake Glimond forced extra time.

Glimond scored again in the added half hour before Nathan Harwood settled the outcome with time running out.

They had been behind on three different occasions during normal time, initially when Dave Brindle scored from close range following a corner.

James Dean restored parity before the break, scoring from the edge of the box.

Jack Buttersworth’s fine solo attempt put hosts Woodford ahead, only for Oliver James to level for the Northwich outfit.

Two goals in a five-minute spell appeared to send Cuddington on their way out, first Alex Jackson shooting past goalkeeper Tom Wilson before Tom Darcy repeated the trick to make it 4-2.

Bettley steered a fine finish past Woodford’s number one following a one-two, then Glimond netted with a volley from the tie’s last kick.

Winnington Avenue, conquerors of Crewe and District League rivals Sandbach Town, join Cuddington in the last four.

Through too are High Lane, who eased past Crewe FC reserves thanks to goals from Jimmy Williamson and captain Si Birch.

FC Flyers edged Curshaws, Matthew Toole netting the game’s decisive goal after Stuart Maylet had hit the net direct from a free kick.

The semi finals are both scheduled for this weekend.

Crewe and East Cheshire Inter-League Cup
Quarter finals
Saturday April 6
FC Flyers 2 Curshaws 1
High Lane 2 Crewe FC res 0
Sandbach Town 3 Winnington 5
Woodford 4 Cuddington 6 (aet)

Semi finals
Saturday April 13 (kick off 2pm)
Cuddington v FC Flyers
High Lane v Winnington