Hurricanes under-eights girls were up for the cup as they stormed into the semi-finals with a great win over Heywood St James Black.

The visitors to St Mary's Park made a fast start and raced into an early lead before goals from Hurricanes' Marnie and Lyla brought the scores level before half time. The girls then took control in the second half with some great passing football, scoring a flurry of goals through Marnie, Violet and Lyla (plus an unfortunate own goal) to seal the win.

Coach Justin said: "Alma had some tough shots to deal with in the first half but stuck to the task in goal well, before looking very dangerous in midfield in the second half.

"Siana never let the opposition settle outfield in the first half, before another assured display in goal in the second half. Violet scored twice to take her past the 40 goal mark for the season, the first of which nearly burst the net - and she was relentless out of possession too.

"Betsy shut down the opposition with some classic defending and turned playmaker as well with some great passing. Olivia played some trademark lovely passes to help us control the game and worked hard out of possession too

"Rene returned from illness to deliver another ferocious defensive performance, never giving the opposition a second on the ball. Matilda continues to get herself into some great positions, was constantly battling to win the ball and was so close to scoring

"Lyla’s purple patch in front of goal continued with a hat-trick and some of her passing was a real joy to behold as that part of her game develops apace. Marnie scored twice herself and once again set the example to the rest of the team with her tackling, passing and hard work off the ball.

"Player of the match was Emily, who after suffering an unfortunate injury early in the season has worked hard every week to get up to speed and this week was brilliant in all parts of the game - tackling, passing and she nearly scored too.

"So we continue our progress in the cup and return on the 27 April for the semi-final against Manchester Dreams. Once again it will be at St Mary’s Park, so please come down and support the girls - who regardless of the result continue to improve and play some great football."

Phantoms under-15s boys drew 1-1 with High Lane, thanks to a great strike from Riley.

Coach Marc said: "It was another scrappy game but we did well to level the game after going one down. Not a great performance, and we need to work harder towards the end of the season if we are to finish in the top half of the table."

Jaguars under-nines boys enjoyed trying out some new positions in their game against Strike JFC.

Coach Tim said: "The boys played some top football and dominated the first half with two great passing moves finished off by Flynn and then Oscar. Strike started the second half strongly but Jaguars defended well, with Stanley, Amir and Gabriel keeping their focus.

"Ned's pinpoint corner was turned in by Connell, then Riley capped a fine display with his goal. It was great to see contributions from so many players."

Fellow under-nines boys, Panthers, played UK Sports Red for the first time since the start of the season.

Coach Ste said: "Sports started well and in the first 10 minutes scored twice, hit the post and forced some great saves from our keeper David. Not the start we wanted.

"The Panthers then kicked into gear and scored goals late in the first half from James, both assisted by Jay. We pushed from the off in the second half and got our break when Oliver's corner was deflected into the goal. 

"The game finished with Panthers on top and it was a great team performance. Freddie was player of the match after dominating in defence and playing some great balls forward to start attacks."

Phoenix under-10s girls played Westbury Foxes for the second week running and, as always with these teams, it was a close encounter either side could have won.

Coach Brendan said: "Conditions were difficult with a very strong wind blowing directly across a sloping pitch. Despite the conditions Phoenix started strongly, playing with an impressive intensity all over the pitch. We kept trying to find the correct pass and we finished the half strongly with a couple of long-range efforts and dangerous crosses into the box.

"The second half was much the same until Westbury took the lead through a goal against the run of play. Lois had Phoenix’s best effort with a spectacular long-range effort that produced a fine save.

"The girls were superb in their effort and fight and if they keep that up the results will follow. Player of the game was Anabell, who excelled in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role, and her concentration and hard work stood out."