Clinical strikers to the fore on day of drama

6 Apr 2026 By Andy Sykes

The league’s prolific marksmen showed off their goalscoring prowess on a busy Bank Holiday Monday where Mill Hill and Hesketh Bank both enjoyed cup upsets.

Matthew Bulcock (pictured) scored his 24th goal of the season to seal a dramatic injury-time 2-1 win for Division Two side Mill Hill against Premier Division CMB in the Presidents Cup semi-final at Langho.

Legendary frontman Carl Grimshaw had put CMB ahead at the break but Connor Newton levelled things up for Mill Hill, who continue a fine season of cup action after their semi-final exploits in the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield.

Meanwhile, last year’s Golden Boot winner Kevin Edgar scored the only goal of the game in Hesketh Bank’s 1-0 win over Premier Division leaders Eagley at Coppull in a Richardson Cup semi-final – keeping the Division One leader's hopes of a league and cup double alive.

In league action, Whitehaven’s stay in the Premier Division is over after a 5-0 defeat at Burscough Richmond, Alfie Westhead with a brace ending a run of four straight defeats for Anthony Murt’s men.

Haslingden St Mary’s moved into third with a 3-1 win over Astley and Buckshaw while Cleator Moor Celtic edged Milnthorpe Corinthians thanks to Romeo Park’s second minute effort.

Poulton are up to eighth after a 3-2 win over Rossendale.

Carnforth Rangers kept alive their hopes of promotion in Division One with a resounding 4-0 win over Kendal United, clinical striker Joe Wilkinson with a treble.

Ryan Fagan enjoyed his own hat-trick in Askam’s 3-0 win over Holker Old Boys and Turton and Chipping couldn’t be separated in a 0-0 stalemate at Thomasson Fold.

Fulwood Amateurs and Stoneclough bagged another three points in their quests for promotion from Division Two, the former beating Dalton 1-0 and the latter enjoying a 7-0 win over Garstang Res, Addison Lomax-Small with four.

Langho’s outside chance of promotion look over after a 1-1 draw at Thornton Cleveleys Res while Lewis Pilgrim hit another triple in Bamber Bridge Res’ 3-1 win at Caton.

Charnock Richard moved into 10th with a 3-0 victory at Appley Bridge.

In Reserve Division Two, mid-table Rossendale Res and Storeys Res played out a 2-2 draw

Where next?

Season in a day for Bonage at the Bridge Bamber Bridge Reserves boss Louis Bonage hopes a mix of youth and experience will take them to the next level, writes ROSS CHAPMAN.