Hospital Cup ties delayed by weather

The first round of the 2024 Bolton Hospital Cup competition is under way, although the inclement weather has meant only three games have played so far, all on artificial surfaces.

The opening tie was played on Thursday, April 4, when Walshaw Sports came from behind to eventually win 5-2 against Turton in a game played in torrential rain at Elton High School.

Walshaw will now travel to face the winners of the tie between Daisy Hill and Tempest United, which will be played at the Plumb Factory Stadium next Monday (7.45pm).

On Tuesday, April 9, Eagley progressed to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win against Little Lever SC. Finley Stafford and Kieron Sisson put Eagley two up, and although Billy Darcy pulled a goal back five minutes from time, Sisson added a late third goal from the penalty spot to seal victory for his side.

Eagley will host the winners of tonight’s game between Atherton Town and Old Boltonians (6.45pm).

On Monday, a fine second-half performance saw North Walkden emerge with a 3-1 victory over Pennington at Thornleigh College. Dom Jones put North Walkden ahead from the penalty spot just after the hour, and Travis Vaughan doubled the lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Although Pennington pulled a goal back straight away, with a couple of minutes remaining Jones added his second of the night to book his side’s place in the last eight.

They will now travel to face the winners of the tie between CMB and Horwich RMI, which will be played next Monday night (6.45pm).

In the other outstanding first-round ties, Hindsford host Tottington United tonight (6.30pm), and last year’s runners-up, Atherton LR, face Stoneclough at Crilly Park on Monday (8pm).